The following article appeared in the latest “Choose Cradle Coast” newsletter:
BUILDING A GLOBAL RENEWABLE ENERGY CAREER WITHOUT LEAVING TASMANIA
Before 2020, working for a stint overseas was something many of us aspired to. As well as the adventure and experience of living in a new culture, the skills, knowledge and experience we gained could boost our future job prospects, or kick-start embarking on a new career altogether. The opportunity to work alongside global leaders or at the cutting edge of our professional passion could lead to entirely new opportunities in the future. Particularly for those with interests in emerging industries, the desire to be with the world’s leading innovators could drive people to pack their bags and go.
2020 changed the perception of ex-pat life. Previously, we could live overseas with the ability to return home for a family emergency or a friend’s celebration within a day or two, giving us comfort to settle into employment in major cities or even some of the most far-flung parts of the world. Sadly, it may be years before we think of working overseas in the same way again.
While the dream of a stint working overseas, or even interstate, is something many of us have had to put on hold, there are some industries where studying and working in Tasmania can create a globally competitive career edge.
There are many examples of industries where Tasmania is considered to be a global leader. The University of Tasmania ranks in the top 10 globally for oceanography, Antarctic research and agriculture. The Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) brings together 45 national and international partners from industry, research and government to supporting innovation and collaboration in aquaculture, renewable energy and offshore engineering on a global scale.
As the world transitions towards renewable energy, Tasmania’s successful history in storing, generating, transmitting, and balancing secure, affordable and clean energy means many leading practitioners, researchers and specialists in renewable energy are right here in Tasmania.
Employers based in Tasmania are working on renewable energy projects of a global scale. Entura, part of Hydro Tasmania, is one of the world’s most experienced specialist power and water consulting firms, supporting governments, funding agencies and clients across the Asia-Pacific region and Africa. Jacobs, which has 52,000 employees worldwide and an office in Tasmania, was recently awarded the Marinus Link interconnector project.
As major Tasmanian renewable energy projects progress from studies and applications, through to design, construction and operation, a wide range of locally-based businesses will be involved in each step. Getting started in building a career in the renewable energy sector in Tasmania will be a great place to develop world-leading skills, without leaving the state”.
– Tanya Denison, Future Energy Facilitator
Image: Blue Economy CRC
