At just 24, Alice Patterson is already making waves in the power earthing industry – a field where women are a rare sight. As one of the youngest female power earthing designers in the UK, she navigates a world critical to infrastructure safety but largely unknown to the public.
“People always ask, ‘What do you do, Alice?’ I explain, but they’re still none the wiser,” she laughs.
From Sound Engineering to Power Earthing
Alice’s career path wasn’t straightforward. After studying sound and lighting engineering, she imagined a future in theatres or festivals. But an eight-month trip through Australia and Southeast Asia sparked a desire for change. Encouraged by her partner’s advice – “Don’t get complacent” – she applied for a design engineer role at Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG), never expecting to get it.
Yet she did. Starting as an assistant design engineer, Alice quickly progressed. In just two and a half years, she’s worked on high-profile projects like Wimbledon, the V&A Museum, and a massive wave garden.
The Power of Mentorship
Alice credits much of her success to her managers, Jason and Jacob. “They always support me,” she says. “I couldn’t ask for better mentors.” Their guidance has helped her navigate the complex, life-critical world of power earthing.
Facing Challenges Head-On
The seriousness of her role struck Alice when she designed an earthing system for a primary school. “It was overwhelming at first – it’s literally life-saving,” she admits. But rather than shy away, she leaned in. “Growth comes from pushing past fear.”
Breaking Stereotypes
On-site, Alice still encounters surprise from male colleagues. “At first, I worried they might not be welcoming, but I’ve found most people are really supportive.” She hopes her journey inspires other women to explore careers in electrical engineering.
A Future Without Limits
Now approaching her third year at PTSG, Alice is more passionate than ever. “I’ve never once thought about doing anything else,” she says. She wants to serve as a role model, showing that women can thrive in technical fields.
From quarries in Scotland to runways at Luton Airport, Alice’s job takes her to places most people never see – each location a reminder of how far she’s come.
“I love my job,” she says simply. “It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”
