Early careers with Bal Atwal

National Careers Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate the careers guidance and free education resources open to young people across the UK. We’re committed to supporting young people in developing the skills needed to thrive in the new energy world, whether that’s green skills, career advice or creating opportunities.

We spoke to Bal Atwal, Early Talent Expert at E.ON UK, to find out more about how she’s helping create a better future for young people and developing the workforce of the future.

Can you summarise what your career journey has looked like?

After graduating, my first job was at Powergen, which I initially saw as a temporary position until I found a "proper" job. Little did I know that 25 years later, it would become my dream job. I started in the call centre and discovered my talent for developing people, which led me to join the training team. Over the years, I’ve supported many initiatives across the business and now, for the past few years, I've been working in Early Careers, where I can help develop young talent within E.ON through initiatives like our Enterprise Advisor programme.

What’s E.ON’s Enterprise Advisor programme?

Our Enterprise Advisor programme is a volunteer initiative where professionals from across E.ON work closely with the headteachers or senior leadership teams of schools and colleges. These Enterprise Advisors support the development and implementation of a career strategy, ensuring that all students are prepared and inspired for the fast-changing world of work. Currently, we have 32 Enterprise Advisors across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Coventry.

What are your highlights from your role?

There are several highlights that stand out. One of the most rewarding aspects is the opportunity to develop young talent within the business. It's incredibly fulfilling to see young people grow and succeed, knowing that I've played a part in their journey.

By providing them with the right information, resources and encouragement, we can empower them to make informed decisions that align with their goals and aspirations. Ultimately, supporting young people in their career choices helps build a stronger, more skilled workforce for the future.

How do you focus on your own career development?

I like to lead by example and focus on my own development, ensuring that I continue to build the skills needed for the future. And this doesn’t always have to be in a work setting at E.ON.

I’m also a Magistrate which means I have the responsibility of presiding over court cases and making decisions on a wide range of legal matters. This role involves working as part of a panel with other magistrates to ensure that justice is served fairly and impartially.

Since taking on this role, I have developed several key skills and gained valuable experience. Firstly, I have honed my decision-making abilities, as each case requires careful consideration of the evidence and the application of the law. This has also improved my analytical skills, as I need to evaluate complex information and make informed judgments. Additionally, my communication skills have been enhanced through interactions with legal professionals, defendants and witnesses. Being able to clearly articulate decisions and reasoning is crucial in this role.

Overall, serving as a Magistrate has been a rewarding experience that has allowed me to contribute to my community while developing valuable skills that are applicable in many areas of my professional life.

I’m also on the Steering Committee for our embRace network – a colleague-led network which supports racial inclusion across E.ON. And in this role, I help ensure that the embRace network continues to make a positive impact on the organisation by fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do this by driving engagement through events, supporting career development with personal growth programmes, raising awareness of unconscious bias, promoting allyship training and connecting with diverse communities.

What advice do you have for young people considering their next steps and career options? 

It's important to explore your interests and research different careers to find what aligns with your passions and strengths. Gaining practical experience through work experience or part-time jobs can provide valuable insights and skills. Seek guidance from career advisors or mentors and stay open-minded about different opportunities.

If you had to describe your role in three words, what would they be?

Empowering, impactful, fulfilling.

As we transition to net zero, we want to inspire more young people to develop the knowledge and skills that will equip them to build a brighter future for themselves and make a difference in the world. Our New Energy Academy brings together educational resources, developed in partnership with teachers, bring real-life context to the curriculum.

And you can find out more about careers at E.ON on our careers website.