Renewables manager Rajini Sokhi discovered her love of engineering almost too late, after taking a roundabout route into the green-energy industry.
The 27-year-old, who works for Active Sustainable Energy Systems, said: “I studied all the wrong subjects at A-level for entering the renewables industry – English, IT and philosophy – however, once university choices loomed I soon realised that I wanted to study a science or engineering-based course.”
She then decided to spend a year doing a foundation course in maths and physics, so she could apply to do mechanical engineering at Liverpool University.
Winning the Ford Prize and the Mason Bibby Travel award during that course confirmed that she had made the correct decision and that engineering was the right career path for her.
Ms Sokhi added: “I credit the Mason Bibby award with introducing me to renewables as it allowed me to do work experience with a robotics company in Australia, which also designed solar PV (photovoltaic) panels. I found this part of the business fascinating and I wanted to learn more about solar panels, and the renewables industry as a whole.
“I have had a bit of a journey to get where I am now, but it has been more than worth the extra years of study. To be based in Aberdeen, which I believe to be the hub of renewables in the UK, and working with a company that’s a leader in its field is an amazing opportunity.
“I really enjoy dealing one-to-one with customers to explain technologies and benefits specific to their heating and power requirements, as well as meeting new people and taking advantage of the excellent training opportunities at Active.”
Despite her enthusiastic and positive attitude towards renewables, Ms Sokhi is more than aware of the negative side to being involved in such a young industry.
She said: “Government policy has knocked confidence in renewables systems as the proposals for the renewable heat incentive have been delayed and changed numerous times, this has resulted in uptake being significantly affected.
“It’s also quite disheartening to find customers who have been let down by suppliers who installed technologies that didn’t suit the requirements of their property or location and therefore didn’t get value for money, while some others will have spent much more than they were quoted for.”
After completing the mechanical engineering degree, Ms Sokhi moved north to do an MSc in energy futures – renewables, at Aberdeen University, which she gained with distinction in 2008.
Since then, she has worked in various renewables jobs in Aberdeen, initially working with Scarf as an energy adviser following a three-month placement during the MSc. She then worked as a project assistant with Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (Areg) before returning to Scarf to become manager of the Renewables Connection project.
Ian Nicol, managing director of Active, headhunted her in April 2010 to oversee the firm’s quality assurance and apply for various important industry accreditations.
Active was founded in 1999 and has 50 people at its bases in Aberdeen and Inverness.
The company describes itself as an expert in the application of sustainable energy systems for both domestic and commercial properties.
Ms Sokhi is now line manager of a team of four.
Referring to her career choice, she said: “I am extremely committed to the renewables industry and to the promotion of the uptake of renewables in Scotland.
“It has been a long road to get where I am, but I persevered and couldn’t be happier with my career choice. Renewables as a career choice was never highlighted to me during school and I imagine this is why I find it so important to be involved in the promotion of renewable-energy careers.
“I find this really exciting as we are promoting to the future generations.
“The industry is still young so we need to garner as much interest as possible now, so we have a well trained renewables workforce for the future. Through my career to date in the renewables industry, I have had the opportunity to meet some of the leading names in renewables in Scotland and feel privileged to be involved in the industry as it grows.
“Through my involvement with the Energy Institute, Active has become increasingly involved in the education sector and this connection has grown within the company. We have recently started to take on research student placements, something which has never been done in the company before but which will be hugely beneficial to both Active and the students they offer placements to.”
Ms Sokhi also co-founded Women in Renewable Energy Scotland, which was recently launched.
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