Hydro Workforce
Hydro Workforce of Today
The Ontario Waterpower Association published a Workforce Insights survey in 2023 that included the question:
Q: How did you enter the waterpower industry?
A. I was interested in waterpower
B. Was working in a related business
C. A colleague recommended or helped me enter the industry
D. Needed work - It didn't matter where
E. Other
We also asked the same question to participants in several NHA-related meetings, as shown below:
NHA Future Leaders of Waterpower (FLOW) Group
15 responses
I was interested in Waterpower
Was working in a related business
A colleague recommended or helped me enter the industry
Needed work it didn't matter where
Other
NHA Chief Dam Safety Engineers Roundtable
19 responses
I was interested in Waterpower
Was working in a related business
A colleague recommended or helped me enter the industry
Needed work it didn't matter where
Other
NHA Pumped Storage Development Council
24 responses
I was interested in Waterpower
Was working in a related business
A colleague recommended or helped me enter the industry
Needed work it didn't matter where
Other
Interesting that thirty three percent (33%) of the newest entrants to the hydro field, the FLOW group, entered the industry because a colleague recommended or helped them, whereas the other groups rated this very low -- 0% and 4%. These groups, likely having longer work histories, predominantly joined the industry through “working in a related business”.
For all survey respondents, less than 30% entered the industry because they were interested in waterpower.
Throughout the U.S. and Canada, it appears that the hydro industry has not been an intentional career choice for many. Most entered the industry through working in a related business or through a colleague. It is clear that to fully address the workforce challenge, the industry needs to advertise itself better.
The Ontario Waterpower Association found similar results. The majority of their 79 respondents had over 11 years of experience in the hydropower industry.
"The Ear to the River survey results confirm that the shortage of workers is a risk that is shared by the industry as a whole. Understanding this, we have enhanced our workforce development and workforce retention efforts to ensure that we have the team members needed to continue to provide the clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy needed to power Alabama and Georgia.”
- Thomas St. John, Southern Company
Ontario Waterpower Association
79 responses
I was interested in Waterpower
Was working in a related business
Difficulty in meeting compliance
Needed work it didn't matter where
The number of people who remain in the industry for long periods of time indicates that those who are in the industry find it offers a satisfactory career. In OWA’s Workforce Insight survey, 91% of participants said they were satisfied or very satisfied working in Ontario’s waterpower industry. In the 2023 Ear to The River Survey, we were able to ask this question of the FLOW group, which is the newest to the industry.
Q: How satisfied are you with working in the waterpower industry in the U.S.?
(14 responses from the FLOW Group)
(very dissatisfied, dissatisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, somewhat satisfied, satisfied, very satisfied)
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
A challenge often cited in the hydro industry is the need for continuing education and professional development for new employees (either new hires or existing employees who have moved into hydro-related jobs to backfill vacant positions owing to retirements).
To aid in fulfilling this need, the National Hydropower Association (NHA) has established the Hydropower Academy, and is working toward developing a professional development training program. This new service offering will be available for employees of both NHA member organizations as well as the industry at large.
The Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) is actively addressing the workforce challenges for the waterpower industry through the development and implementation of communication campaigns, leveraging and fostering new partnerships with universities, colleges, and trade schools, and highlighting educational opportunities all in an effort to both recruit and retain talent in the waterpower sector.
NHA launched a series of advertisements in 2023 targeting younger demographics to raise awareness of hydropower. Perhaps these and similar efforts will help make waterpower an intentional career choice for more people in the future.
Hydro Workforce of Tomorrow
What is the industry doing to spread the word and engage the hydro workforce of tomorrow? We asked the below question:
Q. How is your company engaged in developing the hydro workforce of tomorrow?
- Participate in STEM programs
- Offer students plant tours
- Internships/Co-Op programs
- N/A / Don't Know
Clean Currents Attendees
13 responses
Participation in STEM Programs
Offer Student Plant Tours
Internships / Co-Op Programs
None of the Above
OWA Direct Responses
41 responses
Participation in STEM Programs
Offer Student Plant Tours
Internships / Co-Op Programs
None of the Above
Getting Students Involved
The WC2 Partnership, an innovative initiative established by the Hydro Foundation and endorsed by the National Hydropower Association, aims to foster collaborations between universities and communities, driving the development of skilled professionals in the waterpower sector. Despite the success of solar and wind industries in workforce development, the waterpower sector faces unique challenges. With an aging workforce nearing retirement, nurturing a pipeline of new professionals is crucial. Other Hydro Foundation programs, including the Marine Energy Collegiate Competition and Hydropower Collegiate Competition reveals students’ enthusiasm for waterpower. By participating in WC2, universities can expose students to a carbon-free energy future and prepare them for rewarding renewable energy careers.
Also, the Hydropower Foundation and its Hydro Think Tank™ competition brings regional university and trade-school students to compete in teams to solve a hydropower and renewable energy challenge.
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