Lilian | Sustainability Project Officer

Lilian took part in Generation’s Sustainability Project Officer bootcamp in 2023. Before joining the programme Lilian was unemployed and facing uncertainty regarding her career path.

“I felt unsure about which field to pursue and lacked clarity on what steps to take to secure a job. This confusion and lack of direction were significant barriers to finding employment.”

Lilian had developed an interest in sustainability and was pursuing self-study and research to move towards a career in the sector but was still facing many challenges. 

“The industry requires specific technical knowledge and qualifications. I lacked hands-on experience, which is crucial for practical understanding and application of retrofit measures. Networking within the industry was also a challenge, as I had limited professional connections and opportunities to engage with experts and potential employers.”

Generation support played a crucial role for Lilian to overcome these obstacles. The programme supported her to develop a strong grasp of the technical language in the industry, along with the ability to convey this in an accessible manner, both crucial skills for a customer facing role in retrofit. Lilian also gained vital employability skills on the programme. 

“I gained valuable skills such as maintaining a positive attitude, professionalism, and effective communication, which boosted my confidence and prepared me for the job market.” 

Upon graduation, Lilian secured a position as a Project Support Officer (Sustainability & Retrofit) at the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, Lancaster West Neighborhood Team. In this role, she conducts home energy visits, provides personalised energy advice, and helps residents reduce their energy bills. Lilian enjoys making an impact on her community by promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.

“It’s been incredibly fulfilling to know that I’m making a positive impact every day – both in people’s lives and on the planet. Coming home from work, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that I’ve played a part in helping homeowners reduce their carbon emissions and energy bills. Working in retrofitting has given me a sense of purpose and fulfilment that I’ve always longed for.”