Jade Perry

Programme Integration Manager

At 25 I had no job experience, no confidence, no prospects and very low self-esteem. I applied for hundreds of jobs with no responses other than a few rejections. I started doing temp work (I spent 8 weeks moving files from boxes, was a receptionist, traffic monitor and did data entry) eventually I worked with a construction and engineering charity finding placements for young people into apprenticeships.

I was inspired by these students, many with few GCSE’s, who were learning new skills, pushing their own boundaries and becoming valued workers. With my work experience gained from temping, I managed to secure a role with EDF Energy. Over the following 15 years I worked hard, completing my degree whilst working full time and training to compete in the European and world swimming championships. I challenged myself every day to try and catch up to other people my age, to learn new things and to add value to the teams I worked with.

7 years ago I joined Network Rail as a project planner, I sought opportunities to improve the way we worked and challenged senior leaders to think differently. My confidence grew, people started listening to me, I became a Senior Planner, then a Strategic Development Manager and I am currently a Power Systems Integration Manager for the North West and Central Region.

Sometimes I was the only female in the room, often the least experienced, and frequently terrified, yet I always fell back on what those apprentices taught me, perseverance and courage.

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