Spotlight on EngTech: Holly Cross
At IGEM, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on our members and celebrate the diverse journeys that have shaped their careers. This time, we hear from Engineering Technician (EngTech) Holly Cross, Senior Integrity Engineer at Cadent, whose career demonstrates the value of embracing new opportunities, continuous learning and professional development.
Holly’s career began in an unexpected place. After leaving school, she spent two years working in the NHS as a Medical Laboratory Assistant and Phlebotomist before deciding she wanted a new challenge. In 2006, she took the leap and applied for the National Grid Gas Distribution apprenticeship scheme.
Holly said: “I was slightly apprehensive but excited about the opportunity. I couldn’t have been happier to be accepted onto the apprenticeship to become a Pressure Control and Storage Engineer.”
Following the successful completion of her training and technical competencies, Holly became a Role 3 Technician, working across the full range of gas pressures. During her 12 years in the role, she gained extensive hands-on experience maintaining and working on equipment ranging from power stations through to domestic service governors.
She said: “It gave me a fantastic foundation. I built my knowledge and experience from the ground up, learning about the equipment and the network every day.”
Looking to broaden her experience, Holly moved into a Network Supervisor and Pressure Monitoring and Control (PMAC) Lead role with Cadent. The position introduced her to the world of network monitoring, data analysis and supervisory leadership, overseeing technicians and SCADA operators while managing faults, maintenance activities and network performance.
Holly explained: “A big part of the role focused on leakage reduction. I really enjoyed analysing the data, understanding where improvements were needed and working with the team to make the network even better.”
In January 2024, Holly accepted a secondment into Engineering as a Senior Integrity Engineer, a move that quickly became a permanent appointment.
Today, she works within Cadent’s 2 Bar and Below team, developing engineering policies and procedures for PMAC, Mechanical Equipment Groups (MEG) and pressure control equipment. She also chairs technical forums, ensuring operational teams understand and consistently apply engineering standards while championing leakage reduction initiatives.
Reflecting on her current role, Holly said: “Being approached for the engineering secondment was a real standout moment in my career because it gave me a sense of being recognised.”
Holly is equally passionate about recognising the people she works alongside, she added: “I’m incredibly proud to work with the operational PMAC and MEG teams. They work so hard every day, and I really enjoy giving them the positive reinforcement they deserve.”
In late 2025, Holly's hard work meant she was shortlisted for a Women's Engineering Society (WES Award). The awards celebrate engineering excellence and recognise the individuals driving greater gender balance and inclusion across engineering.
Professional registration has been an important milestone in Holly’s career. Becoming an Engineering Technician with IGEM provided formal recognition of the skills and knowledge she has developed throughout her career.
Holly said: “EngTech shows that I’ve built my career from the bottom up and demonstrates my experience and knowledge as an engineering technician. That’s something I’m really proud of.”
“IGEM has given me that boost by recognising the work I’ve put into getting where I am today.”
Looking ahead, Holly has ambitious plans to continue developing. She hopes to begin studying for a Master’s degree in Engineering and ultimately progress from EngTech through to Chartered Engineer status.
She added: “If you’re thinking about applying for EngTech or another level of registration, speak to colleagues who have already been through the process and don’t be afraid to reach out to IGEM. Everyone is incredibly supportive.
“Just do it. It has absolutely been the best career decision I’ve ever made. Whether you join as an apprentice, graduate or adult trainee, the industry gives you so many opportunities to build your career and choose your own path.”
As the industry continues its transition towards a lower-carbon future, Holly is particularly excited by the growing role of biomethane and hydrogen.
“I’m really enjoying working more on biomethane projects because they’re integral to supporting the future of gas, particularly for domestic use. Hydrogen is another exciting area and one I’d love to become more involved with in the future.”
Her final message for those just starting out is simple but heartfelt: “Stay positive. Some days are tough, but all the hard work is absolutely worth it.”
At IGEM we are proud to showcase the work of women in the gas industry as part of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) on the 23 June.
You can read more on the work IGEM is doing to champion equity, diversity and inclusion across the gas engineering community.
Through our Women in Gas events and our partnership with Women’s Utilities Network, we support collaboration, professional development and greater representation across the utilities sector.