On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements, contributions, and impact of women across every sector. At UKOPA, we are proud to highlight the talented women helping to shape the future of the pipeline and energy industries.
Today we are shining a spotlight on Lily Ganchi, a Pipeline Engineer with National Gas Transmission’s Pipelines & Installations team. Lily’s journey into engineering reflects curiosity, determination, and a passion for making a meaningful difference.
Early Curiosity and Inspiration
From a young age, Lily was fascinated by how things worked. That natural curiosity sparked an interest in pursuing a career where she could not only understand complex systems but also make a positive impact.
A key influence in her early life was her grandfather, who worked designing aircraft. Listening to his stories about the engineering challenges he faced, and the many factors he had to consider when designing planes, captured her imagination and helped shape her interest in science and engineering.
Building the Foundations: Training and Qualifications
Lily recently completed her Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, achieving a First-Class BEng in Science Industry Process Plant Engineering. This route allowed her to combine hands-on industry experience with academic study, a pathway that is increasingly recognised as an effective way to develop skilled engineers.
She is now working towards achieving professional chartership, continuing to build on the strong foundation she developed during her apprenticeship.
A Career in Pipeline Engineering
Today, Lily works as a Pipeline Engineer specialising in Materials at National Gas Transmission. Her role is varied and technically challenging, covering areas such as:
- Ensuring pipeline integrity through defect analysis and assessment
- Conducting materials investigations
- Supporting maintenance operations
- Providing technical expertise on projects, including those supporting the energy transition
This work is vital in ensuring the reliability and safety of the UK’s gas transmission infrastructure while supporting the evolving needs of the energy sector.
Looking Ahead: Future Ambitions
Lily’s ambition is to continue developing her expertise and become a Chartered Engineer and subject matter expert in her field. She hopes to use that expertise to support a wide range of engineering challenges while contributing to innovation across the industry.
The Importance of Mentorship
Mentorship has played a key role in Lily’s development. During the early years of her career, she benefited from the guidance of a female mentor who helped expand both her technical knowledge and professional confidence.
Through mentorship, Lily was given opportunities to develop not only her engineering capabilities but also the soft skills needed to become a well-rounded professional.
She emphasises how valuable mentors can be at different stages of a career, something she continues to benefit from today.
For young women considering engineering, Lily offers encouraging advice:
Even though it may feel like a difficult route where you’re going against the norm of your peers, it is well worth the journey if it’s something you are truly passionate about.
Having supportive mentors throughout your learning is incredibly important. I’ve had them since school and continue to have them today. Her message highlights how passion, perseverance, and support networks can help overcome barriers and open doors to rewarding careers.
A Proud Achievement
One of Lily’s proudest achievements came at the end of her apprenticeship, when she was awarded Apprentice of the Year at the Women in Utilities Awards. The recognition marked a significant milestone in her first four years in the industry and reflected the value she brings to her team and colleagues. It was a fitting way to celebrate the completion of her apprenticeship and the growth she has achieved in the early stages of her engineering career.
Celebrating Women in Engineering
Stories like Lily’s highlight the important role women play in shaping the future of engineering and the energy industry. By sharing these journeys, UKOPA hopes to inspire the next generation of engineers and continue promoting diversity across the sector.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women like Lily and the many others working across the UK pipeline industry to keep our infrastructure safe, reliable, and ready for the future.