WITH SCOTLAND hosting the highest proportion of regional green jobs in the UK, one graduate project manager is urging other young people to consider a career in renewables.
Vasu Sharma, a 25-year-old working for Edinburgh-based specialist onshore wind developer, Wind2, believes there is potential untapped talent in young people to access the current 3.3 per cent of green jobs in Scotland.
The demand highlights a skills gap in the UK, as one in five workers in the sector are retiring by 2030, creating a need for 400,000 people to form a net zero energy workforce.
Vasu, who followed his passion for engineering and sustainability from Punjab to Northumbria University, graduating with a first-class master’s in renewable energy, is now celebrating one year with Wind2.
Remembering his initial move to Scotland, Vasu recounts it being a challenge adapting to a new culture and work environment, but his enthusiasm for the industry meant he hit the ground running in his new role.
Vasu said: “When I moved to Scotland, I was getting to grips with the transition from education into the working world, as well as navigating a new country with its colloquial expressions and totally different industry jargon.
“When I was considering my next step after my undergraduate degree from Chennai, opportunities in the sector were slim in India, which led me to research other countries.
“I’m grateful that I took the leap across the world to play a part in the move towards a greener future.”
In his role, Vasu is developing his management skills, engaging with landowners and statutory bodies, and he is now also leading on onshore wind sites across Scotland.
Celebrating his talent, Wind2 nominated him for the personal improvement category in the Scottish Renewables Young Professionals Green Energy Awards and he has since been announced as a finalist, with the results to be announced in April.
Drawing on the hurdles he faced navigating UK-specific industry jargon when he first joined Wind2, Vasu has created and managed an internal guide on the development process of onshore wind to help future graduates, especially international candidates.
Ryan Bissoonauth, senior project manager at Wind2, said: “We have seen Vasu flourish over the past year and his passion for the industry always shines through.
“Having Vasu’s fresh perspective on the renewables sector really supports the successful development of projects.
“He’s a prime example of why other graduates should consider a career path that will always be in demand of new talent. It was a no brainer to nominate Vasu for the personal improvement category at the Young Professionals Green Energy Awards and we wish him luck on the night.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with him over the past year – his drive will be the key to his personal growth, and he has become a valued member of the Wind2 team.”
Established in 2016, Wind2 is a specialist onshore wind energy developer, founded by the former owners and founders of West Coast Energy, and partners in RDC, which have both successfully developed numerous sites in the UK.
For more information, visit www.wind2.co.uk
