As the Hydro Research Foundation has noted, many of the “Baby Boomers” who helped design, construct and operate hydropower projects across the globe are nearing retirement age, making it essential to fill those positions with a new generation of qualified workers.
An international field of industry professionals will be meeting next week in Denver, Colo., to discuss the issue and how their organizations and companies are addressing it.
Included in the discussion are:
- Kyle Burns, Generation Engineering, LG&E and KU Energy, United States
- Herbie Johnson, Hydro General Manager, Southern Company, United States
- Andrew Rye, Project Delivery Team Leader, Mighty River Power Ltd., New Zealand
- Karen Studarus, University of Washington, United States
- Jamie Studinski, Market Segment Sales Manager — Power Generation, Basler Electric Company, United States
- Andrew Ware, Senior Hydraulic Engineer, Weir American Hydro, United States
The panelists — each in a varying stage of their career — will use their experience to discuss what the kinds of things that will help new industry members excel. The discussion will explore the importance of flexibility, access to technology, mentoring programs, and asset management tools to attract and keep incoming workers.
The discussion, called “Moving toward Extraordinary — Understanding What New Workers Need to Excel in Their Jobs”, is included as part of HydroVision International 2013’s Asset Management track.
“We’re seeing a strong need for new hydropower industry members both here and abroad,” said Marla Barnes, event director and publisher of PennWell’s Hydro Group. “So whether you’re new to the industry and looking to learn from hydro veterans, or a company looking to improve its training and retention, this is a discussion you won’t want to miss.”
The session begins 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, and is one of 73 being offered in HydroVision International 2013’s educational slate that includes seven program tracks, three technical paper tracks and poster gallery.
HydroVision International 2013 is the world’s largest event dedicated entirely to the hydropower industry. This year’s conference and exhibition runs July 23-26 at Denver’s Colorado Convention Center.
For more information, or to register as an attendee, visit HydroEvent.com.
