At Lanes, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equal working environment for both women and men, ensuring that every staff member is able to reach their full potential regardless of their gender.

Historically, utilities has been a male-dominated sector, which is why we work proactively to expand our female workforce and ensure that women working for Lanes are able to feel valued, supported and able to succeed and lead on their own terms.

Here, we have spoken to a number of our female employees from across Lanes Group, including field-based and office-based professionals, to highlight some of the significant female success stories within our organisation - in their own words:
 

Karen Darrington 

Depot manager, St Neots; joined Lanes Group in 2021

 

Tell us about your current role and career background. What made you decide to apply for a role at Lanes in the first place?

I started as a Saturday girl at HSS Hire in September 1998 and was soon promoted to assistant branch manager, and then branch manager. At the time it was very strange for a female to be in that role, and customers and staff were sometimes uncertain of the placement, so I just had to work harder to prove I could do it!

Since then, I have always been in the construction/merchant industry. I was approached by a recruitment company who felt I had the management skills that matched the role at Lanes, and asked me to consider the role - the rest is history!

When joining Lanes, were you aware of the fact that the utilities sector is typically  a male-dominated one? If so, did this concern you? What were you most worried about?

When I joined Lanes, the fact that it is a male-dominated sector didn’t even come into it. For me, this working environment is the norm.

As a woman, how have you found the experience of working at Lanes? What does the company do to create an inclusive workplace environment where everyone feels welcome?

Since joining Lanes, I have found all of my engineers are supportive, and are more than willing to help the “newbies” to the company, such as myself!

Do you feel personally supported at work? What steps has the company taken to help you succeed?

I have had lots of support from senior management and fellow colleagues throughout the group.

How would you encourage a woman who was worried about working for a utilities business like Lanes to give the company a change? Do you have any advice for women who are applying for a similar role to yours on what they need to do to succeed?

They just need to have confidence in their skill set, and more importantly, do not come into the industry thinking you are different just because you are a woman. If we want equality, then it works both ways - you are employed because you are suitable for the role, not for your gender!
 

Sheila Lee

Site supervisor, Nottingham; joined Lanes Group in 2017

Tell us about your current role and career background. What made you decide to apply for a role at Lanes in the first place?

I started at Lanes as a work coordinator in 2017 and have since progressed to become site supervisor, running the Severn Nottingham depot, which consists of managing two works coordinators and 37 crew members.

I previously worked at a private drainage company and wanted to further expand my knowledge, working towards a career in this industry. This is when I chose to apply for Lanes Group, as I felt that they had a lot more experience to offer me, which I believe would enable me to achieve this. 

When joining Lanes, were you aware of the fact that the utilities sector is typically a male-dominated one? If so, did this concern you? What were you most worried about?

I was aware that this sector is typically male-dominated. It did concern me a little at first, but looking back, I think this was just the usual new career nerves more than anything.

When I got appointed site supervisor, I was more nervous than I was when originally starting. Not only am I a woman in a male-dominated industry, I am also a lot younger than some of the crew members, so I was worried that managing all of these men (and women) would be troublesome because of the age difference.

The nerves and worry quickly shifted to excitement once I spoke to the crews here, and found that they are supportive of me and are equally keen to teach me things that I do not yet know. In turn, this will help with my choices within the office, and educate me further to better progress us as a team and as a depot.

As a woman, how have you found the experience of working at Lanes? What does the company do to create an inclusive workplace environment where everyone feels welcome?

I find it to be a fantastic experience to work at Lanes Group. Every day consists of something different, and no two days are the same. The crews we have are welcoming and understanding, and the other depots are supportive and always available to speak to you should you need it.

As much as we operate as separate depots spread across the country, we are all one big team in the long run, and this shows in the communication throughout the business.

Do you feel personally supported at work? What steps has the company taken to help you succeed?

I am personally supported at work through my team in the office, my crews out on the road and other depots within Lanes. Management from other areas also support me should I need any help and/or advice - they regularly check in with me via emails, texts and calls to generally see how I am doing within myself and the role, especially now that I have been newly promoted to site supervisor.

How would you encourage a woman who was worried about working for a utilities business like Lanes to give the company a change? Do you have any advice for women who are applying for a similar role to yours on what they need to do to succeed?

There is nothing to worry about. As much as this sector is typically male-dominated, we are all human; we are all the same.

My advice to any woman wanting to join this industry would be to give it a try! It may shock you to see how interesting the job itself is, how intrigued you become and how deep you want to dive into this industry! In order to succeed, it is like any other career: you have to put the positive work in for a positive outcome. Stick at it - everybody within Lanes will support you along the way!
 

Paris Keenan

Trainee lining engineer, Thames - Slough office; joined Lanes Group in 2017

Tell us about your current role and career background. What made you decide to apply for a role at lanes in the first place?

My current role at Lanes Group is as a trainee engineer three days a week, and office-based two days a week. Before joining Lanes, I had worked for many different places, such as restaurants, pubs and nurseries. 

Drainage has run in my family for a long time, as my grandfather owns his own drainage company and my father who currently works for Lanes. Both have been in this field of employment for as long as I can remember!

The job was recommended to me by my father, who helped me apply. To be honest, as much as he wanted me to follow in his footsteps in this employment, I wanted to apply as well, as it was something different that I have not done before.

When joining Lanes, were you aware of the fact that the utilities sector is typically  a male-dominated one? If so, did this concern you? What were you most worried about?

When joining Lanes I was aware that this job was very male-dominated. As you can imagine, a job being so down and dirty is not typically considered a female job. This being the case, I was most worried about being looked down upon or belittled, as I was a female in a "masculine" environment.

As a woman, how have you found the experience of working at Lanes? What does the company do to create a welcoming, inclusive workplace environment where everyone feels welcome?

As a woman working as a drainage engineer, the experience has been interesting. I have had some conflicted days with my colleagues, feeling uncomfortable and underestimated due to their expectations of my capabilities as a woman.

At first, this made it difficult, but as time went by I have adapted to the environment around me. The company has also made me feel welcome, as my field manager has made adjustments when required; being on this journey has taught me a lot, and given me the ability to adapt to any given situation, such as being flexible with working with all the teams in the division.

Do you feel personally supported at work? What steps has the company taken to help you succeed?

In my own opinion, I do feel supported at work. I am 18 years old, so when I joined Lanes I did not have much experience in drainage on the practical side, but Lanes gave me the opportunity to train with other teams to get an insight into different methods of work within the division. 

I have also had the opportunity to do courses and training in working in confined spaces, asbestos handling, first aid and many other areas.

How would you encourage a woman who was worried about working for a utilities business like Lanes to give the company a change? Do you have any advice for women who are applying for a similar role to yours on what they need to do to succeed?

I would tell other women who are worried about this job to be prepared for some tough times, but not be worried. Like anywhere else it is nerve-wracking starting a new job, but after a while everything just falls into place. You will eventually feel comfortable with your work colleagues and the work itself will feel natural - soon enough, us women will rule the world!

Succeeding in the role is more about the people and communication, as without it we would not get anywhere. I would just say to be yourself and take it in steps, learn from others and you will soon catch on.

Anna Brodnicki

Operations analyst - special operation division, Thames - South West Chertsey depot; joined Lanes Group in 2018

Tell us about your current role and career background. What made you decide to apply for a role at lanes in the first place?

I am currently a trainee field manager, working alongside the service delivery manager and supporting them on data production, innovations, daily projects and ongoing events. My career background has a bit of everything - I am a fully qualified hairdresser; I was working in management within retail since the age of 17; I have worked in hospitality, the motor trade and the insurance business. I'm a bit of a Jack the Lad - just the female version!

I started off as a customer coordinator in the Customer Solutions Centre in Slough, and had been with the business for three weeks when I was placed on a training course that gave me more exposure to field-based work. Following this, I expressed that I would like to experience everyday working life out in the field, and I was then able to present the idea to the director and two regional managers, who offered me the chance of being an engineer for the day.

I first went out in a Combi and loved it, and my heart was set on moving to the field. Within 10 months, I transferred out to the field as a drainage engineer, working alongside various members of the engineering team and learning all different equipment. I was requested to provide support on a high-level tankering event, and from there I started supporting more on projects and events, while still working as an engineer on my days off or during quieter weeks.

When joining Lanes, were you aware of the fact that the utilities sector is typically  a male-dominated one? If so, did this concern you? What were you most worried about?

When I was applying for the role, this is not something I thought about, as I was more interested in the new career and how to be the best I could be. I have worked within the motor trade, and as part of one of my management roles I managed 13 delivery drivers - predominantly male - so this aspect didn’t phase me.

If I were advising someone who had these worries or concerns, I would assure them it is not a weakness to be a female in a male-dominated industry - in fact, this should be seen as a motivational factor!

As a woman, how have you found the experience of working at Lanes? What does the company do to create a welcoming, inclusive workplace environment where everyone feels welcome?

As with any new job, you do have to adapt your working methods. Working in the field at Lanes, you will be given a training programme, exposed to all the different machines and given a chance to meet all of the different people, all of which will help you to settle in.

Do you feel personally supported at work? What steps has the company taken to help you succeed?

I do feel that Lanes has supported me. They have always listened to my voice, which I believe is an important aspect in developing a strong employer/employee relationship.

How would you encourage a woman who was worried about working for a utilities business like Lanes to give the company a change? Do you have any advice for women who are applying for a similar role to yours on what they need to do to succeed?

It really is nothing to be afraid of. When you work at Lanes, everything becomes a subject for conversation; everyone finds themselves talking about poo! It sparks many conversations and many laughs within the office and out in the field.

A lot of what Lanes have to offer revolves around the way they think about their people - are their people happy? Are their people safe? Are their people healthy, both physically and mentally?

If you are starting at Lanes, the most important advice to remember is that every day is a learning curve. Always learn to walk before you start running, and always, always support the person next to you! No matter what sexuality or what gender you are, anyone can achieve anything if they put their mind to it, and at Lanes you will be exposed to so many experiences that you will have plenty of opportunities to develop as a person - both professionally and personally.

Trish Ferrell

CCTV assistant for Lanes’ Thames Water contract; joined Lanes in 2021

What can you tell us about your role at Lanes?

I’m part of a team that carries out planned sewer maintenance, which mostly involves cleaning high-risk sewers so they are less likely to flood. I’m coming up for my first year at the company; to be honest, I like it so much that I wish I’d looked at drainage as a career much earlier!

What made you apply to work at Lanes?

Before working here I worked part-time in a paper mill, driving and cleaning forklifts. Before that, I was an accounts manager at a welding firm. Both of my sons work in drainage; in fact, I’m the CCTV assistant to my son, Benjamin, so I knew a bit about the drainage industry. I was looking for something different and for full-time work, so I was pleased to get this job. 

What was your first day like?

Me asking lots of questions! Everyone was very kind and welcoming, but I must have tried some peoples’ patience by asking what this is for, how do I do that, why is this like this! There’s a lot to learn, which is one thing I like about the job; you learn new things every day.

What is your favourite part about the job?

I think it’s the interest of working on our sewer system. Some of the sewers we get to see and work on are amazing; I don’t feel it’s a hardship going to work. Just put on your orange PPE, pull on your boots and away you go!

It’s very busy, there are always lots of challenges, but I’m part of a great team. It’s good to be doing something that’s useful to local communities, and there’s always time to have a giggle - so it’s fun too.

What would you say to anyone thinking of a career in the drainage industry?

Give it a go! I love working at Lanes. Some people might be worried about the poo, but it’s not as bad as you think. Our cameras get a little dirty, but we have a procedure for cleaning them, so everything is safe.

What’s it like working with your son?

It’s very good. We’ve always got along and he’s a grown man now. He’s been very supportive and explains everything well. He’s starting to teach me about all the technical aspects of the job like operating the cameras and the computer system, and coding up drain surveys - not that I’ll do his work for him!

In three words, how would you describe your journey at Lanes?

Opportunity. Adventure. Pleasing.

Sam Deering

HGV jet vac operator for Lanes’ Thames Water contract; joined Lanes in 2021

What can you tell us about your role at Lanes?

I work as an HGV jet vac operator on the Thames Water wastewater network services maintenance contract for Lanes. In particular, I’m part of the planned sewer maintenance team that cleans high-risk sewers so they’re less likely to get blocked.

I had no drainage training prior to joining in February 2021; I just drove tankers to where they were needed. But I could see what the work was all about and when Lanes offered me a full-time job, I accepted it. I’m glad I did, because it’s really interesting and worthwhile.

What made you apply to work at Lanes?

I’ve held my HGV licence for five years. Before working for Lanes I’d been a head chef in a big country pub, but when COVID hit I was furloughed and I didn’t want to just sit at home, so I joined an HGV hire company. Then I could see that the work at Lanes was interesting and worthwhile, so I wanted to get a permanent job with them - and to be honest, I haven’t looked back.

What do you like most about the job?

I like the way it’s hands on. You have a challenge and you have to find a way to overcome it. Every day is different because we work on so many different kinds of sewers in different kinds of locations. 

I like that we’re doing work that’s making the wastewater system better for other people. Most people don’t have a clue about what happens when they flush the toilet; in a way, we’re trying to keep it that way, because if the sewers work well, they won’t see their poo again!

What kind of equipment do you use?

I drive and operate a recycler jet vac tanker, supported by my assistant. It’s a big machine on a big lorry, and it’s very powerful. It can filter its own water and reuse it so we don’t have to use so much water and can stay working for longer between filling up the tank, so it’s good to be using equipment that makes best use of resources.

It’s quite technical, but Lanes are good at teaching you how to use the kit. It gets a lot of looks and comments from members of the public!

What’s the biggest challenge you face?

One of the biggest challenges is getting to job sites down narrow roads. Sewers are often not put in the easiest places to get to, and we don’t have a shrink button on my jet vac tanker! But with a bit of smart thinking and careful driving, we get there.

Do you feel well supported?

The teamwork here is great. We all support each other, and Lanes has given me a lot of training, including water jetting and street works. So I feel I have the help and knowledge I need to get the job done. With sewer work, you’re learning all the time; that’s what makes it so interesting!

Our advice for female applicants

As these testimonies show, there are plenty of fulfilling career opportunities available for female drainage professionals here at Lanes. No matter what your background may be, we are committed to supporting everyone with the right skills and attitudes to make a success of themselves.

Debi Bell, head of HR services at Lanes, explains:
We are a growing family-owned company looking for motivated individuals who want to work in a specialised service area, and want to make a difference to your customers. You will never be defined by your gender when working for Lanes - if you share our commitment to great customer service and teamwork, you will have every chance to succeed here!

To work at Lanes, you will need to be sensitive, courteous and professional when dealing with individual customers, as well as having confidence and open-mindedness in your approach to work. If you like working outdoors and want each day to be different, then this could be the job for you.

Joining the Lanes family can be the gateway to an exciting, dynamic career, with huge potential scope for development into more advanced or alternative roles within the company. If you are a woman looking for a role that gives you the opportunity to test your existing skills and acquire all-new ones, Lanes could be the perfect place for you.

Find out more

If you are a female professional who is looking for an opportunity in the drainage sector, Lanes will help you to cultivate your talents and build your career. You can explore our jobs today, or take a look at our Women in Utilities hub page to find out more about the work we are doing to recruit more women to join the Lanes team.

Gender is no barrier to a long and successful career at Lanes, and we employ a large number of women in the field of engineering. Discover the work we do with female engineers here at Lanes.

You can also read more about the reasons why Lanes is making efforts to support and expand our female workforce.

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