Welcome to Season 4 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. In this series, we explore the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the future of infrastructure – from accelerating the energy transition to ensuring our sector is ready for what comes next. 

Episode 3: Future-ready infrastructure – Addressing the STEM skills crisis 

In this episode, our host Toby Sadler is joined by expert guests from AECOM, Energy & Utility Skills and SSE to explore the pressing shortage of STEM skills across the infrastructure industry. 

From nuclear and renewables to water and transport, the sector faces a growing demand for talent – yet is struggling to fill roles across all levels. As a third of the UK workforce sits in STEM roles, the risk of a shortfall could cost the UK economy up to £120 billion by 2030. 

Together, our guests unpack the root causes of the issue, the gaps in education and workforce training, and share how they’re tackling the problem – from building early-stage pipelines and reskilling experienced professionals to cross-sector collaboration and digital upskilling. 

📌 Key questions include: 

What’s causing the shortage of STEM skills across infrastructure? 

What are the specific impacts on energy, nuclear and utility projects? 

How can we encourage underrepresented groups back into the sector? 

What role do education, mentorship and policy play in solving the crisis? 

What does a future-ready workforce really look like? 

Expert Speakers: 

Paul Cox, CEO, Energy & Utility Skills  Leads the organisation that works with industry and government to tackle workforce challenges and secure a skilled, sustainable pipeline of talent for the UK’s utility sector. 

Stephanie O’Donnell, Strategic Workforce Planning Manager, SSE 
Responsible for shaping SSE’s future workforce and navigating the evolving skills demands of the energy transition. 

Karen Armstrong-Telfer, Nuclear Lead, AECOM 
AECOM’s lead on nuclear strategy and delivery, bringing deep insight into the specialised skills needed for growth and resilience in the sector. 

About the host: 
Toby Sadler, Senior Communications Manager, AECOM 
Toby brings experience from both journalism and communications. He hosts Talking Infrastructure with a curious mind and a passion for amplifying the voices shaping the future of our built environment. 

Useful links: 

Podcast survey – take part in our podcast survey to help shape the future of the podcast. You could win your very own exclusive Talking Infrastructure podcast mug (T&Cs apply): https://forms.office.com/r/6DcYTjsgza  

Come and work for AECOM: discover the recruitment opportunities here: https://aecom.jobs  

Read our blog to learn more about nuclear decommissioning - Milestones and innovations in nuclear decommissioning - Blog 

Listen to an episode of our podcast about how we can encourage, upskill and attract engineers - Engineer of the future: building tomorrow’s workforce 

Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/,https://www.instagram.com/aecom/, https://twitter.com/aecom 

We’ve all seen the headlines—over the past decade, the UK has seen record-breaking rainfall, with climate change driving more intense weather. But our drainage infrastructure, much of it built over a century ago, was not designed to cope with these extremes. 

Combined sewer overflows (CSOs)—originally developed to prevent flooding by discharging excess water when sewers reach capacity—are now being triggered more often, increasing the risk of surface water flooding. As populations grow and cities expand, drainage networks are now being pushed to their limits. 

While larger pipes and storage tanks might help in the short term, they too have limited capacity and are both costly and carbon intensive to build. Clearly, grey infrastructure alone won’t fix the problem. The UK needs a smarter, more sustainable approach to managing water—one that eases pressure on sewers before storms hit. 

In this episode, we focus on blue-green infrastructure, which combines natural features like wetlands and rain gardens with conventional drainage systems to manage water more effectively, reduce flood risk and create greener, healthier places to live.  

Host Toby Sadler speaks to those at the forefront of the innovative projects already making an impact, from the UK’s largest sustainable drainage scheme in Mansfield, Derbyshire to Glasgow’s Smart Canal, which pairs blue-green principles with digital technology, to Castle Archdale’s integrated constructed wetland in Northern Ireland, which functions as both a wastewater treatment system and a community asset. 

Together, our speakers tackle the key questions: could nature help solve the UK’s sewer overflow challenge? And what are the steps needed to implement blue-green infrastructure on a wider scale? 

Tune in now to hear from:  

Find out more over on: https://aecom.com/podcasts/talking-infrastructure-podcast/ 

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Welcome to season 4 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges.

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Useful links: 

Connect with us on social: 

"We’ve got to think about this all together as a whole-systems holistic solution, whether it’s a single rural community or whether that’s at an industrial cluster level. It’s the same—the whole nation is a system in itself. So, we’ve got to have that whole-systems approach from the top down, whether that’s transmission networks right the way down to [...] the final mile on the grid."

– Kate Gilmartin, British Hydropower Association

For too long, we’ve tackled energy challenges in isolation—treating renewables, grid capacity and infrastructure as separate pieces of the puzzle. But real progress demands a systems approach—one that connects people, politics, places and portfolios. 

In this first episode of Talking Infrastructure’s Season 4, our host Toby Sadler is joined by Kate Gilmartin (CEO, British Hydropower Association), Dan Nicholls (Chief Product Officer, SNRG) and Sarah Falconer (Energy Planning, Consenting and Development Lead, AECOM) to discuss why systems thinking is key to delivering a successful transition to clean energy. 

They cover topics such as: 

Find out more over on: https://aecom.com/podcasts/talking-infrastructure-podcast/ 

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Welcome to season 3 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges.

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Useful links: 

Connect with us on social: 

Despite the ongoing war and the destruction of nearly half its power infrastructure since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine is determined to emerge stronger and greener. This episode delves into Ukraine's bold vision to become Europe’s new green energy hub. 

Remarkably, Ukraine constructed more onshore wind turbines in 2022 than England, showcasing its commitment to renewable energy even amidst conflict. 

The Tyligulska wind farm, for example – the first to be built in a conflict zone – is now generating enough clean energy to power around 200,000 homes just 60 miles from the frontline.  

Tune in to hear more about on the radical reshaping of Ukraine’s energy landscape and the lessons it can teach us. 

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Welcome to season 3 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges.  

We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward.   

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About the host  

👉 James Banks, Director of Marketing and Communications. Been at AECOM for 6 years.   

Hosting the Talking Infrastructure is a real highlight of my role at AECOM. Having launched the podcast back in 2019. I’ve seen it grow from something that was, to be honest, a bit of an experiment, to something that is now adding real value to our clients and the industry. With a growing and diverse audience, I’m always amazed when I receive emails and social comments from listeners all over the world. So, keep them coming!   

Useful links:  

Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/,https://www.instagram.com/aecom/, https://twitter.com/aecom 

We’re back with another installment of Talking Infrastructure—and this time we’re live at UKREiiF: the UK’s real estate investment and infrastructure forum. 

In this episode, James Banks hosts a live panel discussion about the people-centric strategies needed to navigate the energy transition in an equitable way. 

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Welcome to season 3 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges.  

We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward.   

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About the host  

👉 James Banks, Director of Marketing and Communications. Been at AECOM for 6 years.   

Hosting the Talking Infrastructure is a real highlight of my role at AECOM. Having launched the podcast back in 2019. I’ve seen it grow from something that was, to be honest, a bit of an experiment, to something that is now adding real value to our clients and the industry. With a growing and diverse audience, I’m always amazed when I receive emails and social comments from listeners all over the world. So, keep them coming!   

Useful links:  

Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/,https://www.instagram.com/aecom/, https://twitter.com/aecom 

S3E05: Ride the Change: shifting gears towards climate action 

For Earth Day 2024, we’re proud to be sponsoring the Ride the Change bike ride, an epic journey that spans the UK, Holland and Belgium. By raising climate pledges instead of cash, the ride – organised by Do Nation – aims to encourage simple, sustainable actions.  

70 cyclists representing AECOM and other organisations travelled from the UK and Europe to take part in the event, including our podcast host James Banks. To mark this milestone, we bring you a special live episode from the Atomium in Brussels, where the ride culminates.  

Join James as he speaks to four other participants and attendees for a post-ride discussion on the future of energy and transport. As well as sharing stories from the road, they’ll dive into the ways we can collectively work together to achieve a just transition. 

Speakers include:  

• Miet Luyckx, Programme Management Director for Benelux, AECOM 

• Ajai Ahluwalia, Head of Supply Chain, Renewables UK 

• Lars Verkerk, Strategic Alliance Manager, Johnson Controls  

• Andrew Griffiths, Director of Policy & Partnerships at PlanetMark 

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Welcome to season 3 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges. 

We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward.  

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About the host 

👉 James Banks, Director of Marketing and Communications. Been at AECOM for 6 years.  

Hosting the Talking Infrastructure is a real highlight of my role at AECOM. Having launched the podcast back in 2019. I’ve seen it grow from something that was, to be honest, a bit of an experiment, to something that is now adding real value to our clients and the industry. With a growing and diverse audience, I’m always amazed when I receive emails and social comments from listeners all over the world. So, keep them coming!  

Useful links: 

• Podcast survey – take part in our podcast survey to help shape the future of the podcast. You could win your very own exclusive Talking Infrastructure podcast mug (T&Cs apply): https://forms.office.com/r/6DcYTjsgza  

• Come and work for AECOM: discover the recruitment opportunities here: https://aecom.jobs  

• Get a copy of our FOI report here: https://infrastructure.aecom.com/ 

Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/,https://www.instagram.com/aecom/, https://twitter.com/aecom 

Welcome to season 3 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges. 

We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward. 

Episode 4: Closing the net zero divide: how do we ensure no community is left behind?  

For this episode, our host James Banks is joined by Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy and Helena Rivers, AECOM’s net zero lead for the built environment to discuss the challenges and opportunities in achieving net zero.  

From the importance of retrofitting homes and buildings to enhance energy efficiency to the latest green technology improving heat networks, our speakers explore how we can reduce the carbon footprint of our built environment – and why a people-centric approach is key. 

Central to the conversation is how we can meet our climate goals whilst addressing the disparities and inequalities between communities to ensure that no one is left behind.  

As well as busting some common myths, our speakers tackle questions such as: 

• What does 'net zero' really mean and why is it vital for our future? 

• What role does technology play in making homes more energy-efficient and sustainable? 

• How can we effectively engage the public and bridge the knowledge gap? 

• How can global cooperation and policies accelerate the move towards net zero? 

Plus, Emma shares the creative ways that Octopus is reshaping public perceptions towards green energy – including a touring wind turbine named Gusty Springfield. 

Expert speakers: 

• Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director, Octopus Energy 

• Helena Rivers, AECOM Net Zero lead for the built environment

About the host 

James Banks, Director of Marketing and Communications. Been at AECOMnfor 6 years.  

Hosting the Talking Infrastructure is a real highlight of my role at AECOM. Having launched the podcast back in 2019. I’ve seen it grow from something that was, to be honest, a bit of an experiment, to something that is now adding real value to our clients and the industry. With a growing and diverse audience, I’m always amazed when I receive emails and social comments from listeners all over the world. So, keep them coming!  

Useful links: 

• Podcast survey – take part in our podcast survey to help shape the future of the podcast. You could win your very own exclusive Talking Infrastructure podcast mug (T&Cs apply): https://forms.office.com/r/6DcYTjsgza  

• Come and work for AECOM: discover the recruitment opportunities here: https://aecom.jobs  

• Get a copy of our FOI report here: https://infrastructure.aecom.com/ 

S3E03: Engineer of the future: building tomorrow’s workforce 

Welcome to season 3 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges. 

We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward. 

In this episode, host James Banks is joined by Dr Sara Venning from Northern Ireland Water, Dr Alice Bunn of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and Eloise John, AECOM's energy lead for Europe and India.  

Together, they discuss how we can plan, develop, and recruit a workforce fit for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.  

Our guest speakers address questions such as: 

As well as emphasising the importance of soft skills alongside technical expertise, the discussion also highlights the necessity of lifelong learning – and why it’s crucial to remain agile in an industry where future job roles are yet unknown. 

Expert speakers: 

About the host 

Useful links: 

Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/,https://www.instagram.com/aecom/, https://twitter.com/aecom 

🎙️Talking Infrastructure Season 3 

Welcome to season 3 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges. We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward.  

In this episode, we take you on a journey behind the scenes of one of the rail industry’s most successful partnerships - the South Rail Systems Alliance (SRSA). The SRSA is one of three alliances set up to complete vital track renewals necessary to improve the rail network for the benefit of passengers across the UK.   As a successful working example of an alliancing delivery model, the SRSA is widely regarded as collaboration best practice by industry peers both in the UK and across the globe.    

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Expert speakers:  

👉 Stuart Calvert, Wales & Western Capital Delivery Director at Network Rail. Stuart has over 40 years' rail industry experience and now leads our capital delivery team responsible for managing all the investment projects in the region. Stuart makes the most of the Devon coast and countryside enjoying walking, sailing, cooking and bell ringing! (more info in attached bio if needed)   

Why you’re excited to join the TI podcast: It is very important to discuss the benefits of effective working between suppliers and clients and how strong collaborative arrangements can benefit all parties. We have extensive experiences in working this way and sharing best practice, so others can benefit and learn is a key aspect of a collaborative leadership approach. 

👉 Ondrej Roubicek, Deputy CEO at Colas Rail UK. Ondrej has over 15 years of experience in the Railway Industry, initially starting with Track renewals, he is overseeing all of Colas Rail UK’s first tier business with Network Rail. 

Why you’re excited to join the TI podcast: Ondrej's direct experience of working with traditional as well as Alliancing contracts has made him a big advocate of collaborative culture. He believes that In the complex environment of the UK rail we will always deliver the best outcome for the passengers by working together in an open, transparent and collaborative manner. 

👉 Susan Evans, Rail, Structures and Ground Engineering Director at AECOM. A business leader with 30 years’ experience in the aerospace, scientific research and rail sectors.   Strong supporter of EDI strategies, including Women In Rail London region Vice-Chair. 

Why you’re excited to join the TI podcast: I was keen to be on this podcast because collaboration models, including Alliancing, is of interest to many clients around the world so it was a great opportunity to step back and chat informally. Especially to be able to do that with our Colas partners and our Network Rail client– it doesn’t often happen that we can kick back like that. 

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About the host James Banks, Director of Marketing and Communications. Been at AECOM for 6 years. Hosting the Talking Infrastructure is a real highlight of my role at AECOM. Having launched the podcast back in 2019I’ve seen it grow from something that was, to be honest, a bit of an experiment, to something that is now adding real value to our clients and the industry. With a growing and diverse audience, I’m always amazed when I receive emails and social comments from listeners all over the world. So, keep them coming! 

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Useful links:  

➡️Podcast survey – take part in our podcast survey to help shape the future of the podcast. You could win your very own exclusive Talking Infrastructure podcast mug (T&Cs apply): https://forms.office.com/r/6DcYTjsgza  

➡️Case study: South Rail Systems Alliance: driving efficiency for Network Rail: https://aecom.com/projects/south-rail-systems-alliance-driving-efficiency-for-network-rail/ 

➡️Three ways collaboration is driving efficiency across the UK rail industry: https://aecom.com/without-limits/article/three-ways-collaboration-is-driving-efficiency-across-the-uk-rail-industry  

➡️Come and work for AECOM: discover the recruitment opportunities here: https://aecom.jobs  

Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/,https://www.instagram.com/aecom/ , https://twitter.com/aecom  

👉 Key points

As well as an introduction into how hydrogen is made, what it is used for, its pivotal role in the energy transition, and public impact, listeners can expect:

- practical insights on hydrogen project planning and delivery

- commentary on regulation, investment and technology

- thoughts on balancing profitability and risk

- an insight into how green ammonia could decarbonise the agricultural sector and stabilise local food systems

- a glimpse into exciting new developments that we may see unfold over the next decade.

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Expert speakers:

➡️ Olivier Mussat: CEO at ATOME, the first and only green hydrogen, ammonia and fertiliser production company listed on the London Stock Exchange. ATOME is currently progressing plans to build one of the world’s first commercial large-scale green ammonia facilities in Paraguay.

Experience/background: Started as a field engineer in the power sector, moved to oil & gas, then infrastructure finance, before joining ATOME he was the chief investment officer of global energy at the IFC, the private investment arm of the World Bank.

➡️ Dr Nigel Holmes, CEO of the Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, an organisation at the heart of Scotland’s ambition to become one of Europe’s clean energy powerhouses.

Experience/background: Has been CEO of SHFCA since 2011. Nigel has also worked for the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) and BP Chemicals before leading the national industrial symbiosis programme for reuse of industrial by-products (NISP Scotland).

➡️ Sam Mackilligin, Hydrogen Director for Europe at AECOM.

Experience/background: After 15 years in project and commercial roles in the automotive industry and four years as a turbine supplier/EPC contractor building windfarms, Sam has been with AECOM for nearly 15 years looking after energy clients of all shapes and sizes. He now leads service delivery to hydrogen developers, managing the accounts of large corporate clients and new entrants, permitting and engineering some of the largest green hydrogen projects moving to their delivery phase.

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About the host

➡️James Banks, Director of Marketing and Communications. Been at AECOM for 6 years.

Hosting the Talking Infrastructure is a real highlight of my role at AECOM. Having launched the podcast back in 2019 I’ve seen it grow from something that was, to be honest, a bit of an experiment, to something that is now adding real value to our clients and the industry. With a growing and diverse audience, I’m always amazed when I receive emails and social comments from listeners all over the world. So, keep them coming!

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👉 FOI report: https://infrastructure.aecom.com?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=tipodcast_s3&utm_content=eu_foi 

👉 Discover how partnering with ATOME on the world’s first commercial large-scale green ammonia scheme will help decarbonise agriculture project: https://publications.aecom.com/sustainable-legacies/projects/nurturing-green-ammonia-production-in-paraguay/ ?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=tipodcast_s3&utm_term=video_&utm_content=eu_episode1

👉 Find out how we are decarbonising a carbon-intensive industrial cluster at Net Zero Teesside: https://publications.aecom.com/sustainable-legacies/projects/net-zero-teeside/ ?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=tipodcast_s3&utm_term=video_&utm_content=eu_episode1

👉 Careers: discover the recruitment opportunities here: https://aecom.com/careers/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=tipodcast_s3&utm_term=video_&utm_content=eu_episode1

👉 Podcast survey – take part in our podcast survey to help shape the future of the podcast. You could win your very own exclusive Talking Infrastructure podcast mug (T&Cs apply):

Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/ | https://www.instagram.com/aecom/ | https://twitter.com/aecom