Spotlight on IEng: Carole McGregor
We're proud to shine a spotlight on our members. This month, we feature Carole McGregor, IEng, whose career journey demonstrates how embracing new opportunities and committing to professional development can lead to a successful and rewarding career in the gas industry.
Before entering the gas sector, Carole owned and operated a catering business. While she enjoyed running the business, she found herself increasingly interested in the finance and accounts side of the operation.
Reflecting on her career journey, Carole said: "I became increasingly drawn to the finance and accounts function rather than the culinary aspect, so I returned to college to pursue an accounting qualification."
As part of her studies, Carole was advised that she would need to secure an office-based role to meet the requirements of the second year of her course. This led to her first role in the gas industry, working as an agency employee managing customer complaints.
What started as a temporary opportunity soon developed into a long-term career. Carole secured a permanent position and received her first promotion to Support Assistant at Fulcrum Connections.
She later made the decision to move into engineering, beginning a career path that she has now followed for more than 22 years.
One of Carole's proudest achievements was becoming the first female Network Engineer within the West Midlands Gas Network. In the role, she was responsible for overseeing field engineers and carrying out safety and quality audits.
She said: "I am particularly proud to have been the first female Network Engineer within the West Midlands Gas Network.”
Throughout her career, Carole has remained committed to developing her knowledge and professional competence. Encouraged by a former colleague, she became a member of IGEM and began working towards professional registration.
Her dedication was recognised when she achieved Engineering Technician (EngTech) registration in 2021, followed by Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration in November 2025.
Carole views professional registration as an important recognition of both technical competence and professional commitment.
She explained: "Achieving IEng reflects my professional competence and commitment to high safety standards.”
As an IGEM member, Carole makes regular use of the Institution's technical resources and professional development opportunities. She values staying informed about changes to technical documentation and ensuring that industry advice remains current and relevant.
She said: "The IGEM benefits I utilise most include staying up to date with revisions to technical documentation and participating in relevant training."
Carole also attends industry events and conferences, which provide opportunities to network with peers and remain informed about developments across the sector.
Beyond her own professional development, she is passionate about encouraging others to pursue professional accreditation and become involved in advancing the industry.
"My advice to those considering IGEM membership is to pursue professional accreditation and actively contribute to the advancement of the industry. Through commitment and technical expertise, individuals can play a meaningful role in shaping the future of engineering."
Carole is also passionate about supporting women within the profession and hopes to mentor others as they progress in their careers.
Looking ahead, she believes the future of gas is closely linked to the transition towards decarbonisation and the opportunities this presents for the industry.
Carole said: "My perspective on the future of gas is focused on the transition towards net zero and how existing infrastructure and expertise can be leveraged to address long-term energy storage requirements."
She also believes the industry should continue attracting new talent through apprenticeships and early-career opportunities, highlighting her current employer's commitment to welcoming new apprentices into the business.
Reflecting on her career to date, Carole is grateful for the opportunities the gas industry has provided and the colleagues who have supported her throughout her journey.
She said: "The gas industry has provided me with a rewarding career and numerous opportunities for professional development.”
Carole also expressed her sincere thanks to Bob Murray and Geoff Ansell, whose guidance and mentorship helped her achieve IEng registration and supported her professional development along the way.
Her story demonstrates that careers can take unexpected turns, and that with commitment, professional development and the support of others, it is possible to build a rewarding and successful career within the gas industry.
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.