Building Back Better By Building A Great Team For 2021

How do we build back better in 2021? Build a great team in 2020!

There’s no doubt that 2020 has been an extremely challenging year for many businesses. Indeed, for some industries, the impact of Covid has been catastrophic.

We are very fortunate, then, that Locogen has avoided the worst of these impacts and, as we move into the final quarter of 2020, we’re determined to build back better – and work to help deliver a green recovery.

Back in September, Scotland’s Environment and Climate Change Secretary, Roseanna Cunningham, said: “We will ensure our recovery is one that creates good quality, green jobs and ensures a fair and just transition to net-zero, leaving no-one behind.”

So, we’ve been investing in that recovery by creating the good quality, green jobs that will help us build our business in 2021.

Here’s our bunch of fives – five-star individuals who have joined us since lockdown began back in March. We asked them why they chose a career in renewables, why they joined Locogen and what they’re looking for as their career develops.

EMMA BALLANTYNE, GRADUATE GIS PLANNER IN PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Emma

Why did you choose to work in renewables?

I’ve always had an interest in climate issues. Being involved in the fight against climate change has been something I’ve aspired to do from a young age, but I wasn’t sure how I could make a difference. Working in renewables has allowed me to use the skills I love while contributing to the production of new, clean energy sources that are helping to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Also, the renewable industry is continuously growing with so many career opportunities, so that’s very positive.

And what attracted you to Locogen?

The company fit with the criteria I had set for myself when looking for job opportunities – a Scottish SME renewables company where I could easily build relationships with employees. This was an important factor for me just leaving university. Also, as Locogen provides many different services, I thought this company would provide me with a great opportunity to learn more about the different aspects of the renewable industry.

How would you like your career to develop?

As a recent graduate, I am very new to the industry. I would like to learn and understand all aspects of the development process of renewable energy systems and I am keen to progress within the company. Right now, there is still a lot for me to learn and there’s a lot of career unknowns, perhaps managing development projects? I’m happy to go wherever my career takes me but I do have a love for GIS and I would like to continue to use my skills in this in the future.

DAVID SHIELDS, SENIOR PROJECT ENGINEER IN CONSULTANCY

David

Why did you choose to work in renewables?

Having previously worked in a number of different industries (from technology to food and beverage manufacturing) I realised that the products and projects that I was most enthusiastic about all had a common theme, in that they offered some kind of environmental and societal benefit. That’s why I decided to pursue a role where the core focus of my day-to-day work would be delivering these kinds of projects.

And what attracted you to Locogen?

Locogen was recommended to me as a great place to work by a previous employee. The renewables industry is a dynamic environment with constantly changing policies, regulations, and technologies. That’s why it’s critical for businesses that want to succeed in this space to have a high performing team, an agile business model, and a lot of fun – I think that Locogen has all of these qualities.

How would you like your career to develop?

I’m passionate about developing great products and successful commercialisation strategies for SMEs. Right now there’s plenty of scope for me to do this in my role as at Locogen, but in the future I’d like to be in a position to invest in disruptive green technology start-ups and help them scale up.

LEILA TAVENDALE, SENIOR RENEWABLE ENERGY ENGINEER IN CONSULTANCY

Leila

Why did you choose to work in renewables?

Fossil fuels are so last season. The world isn’t going to keep running if we’re still doing the same things we were doing 100 years ago. Adding renewable energy into the energy mix, working towards zero carbon, storing electricity, creating intelligent systems – these are the things which are important and will help to preserve the earth for the generations that come after us.

And what attracted you to Locogen?

Because Locogen is great! Forward-thinking, innovative, willing to reach towards new technologies in spaces that traditional companies are too fearful to explore at an early stage. Also, the fact that Locogen isn’t just building infrastructure and walking away – the co-ownership of community energy projects, the ever-expanding asset management branch continuing to monitor operational projects that Locogen has been involved with since day one – it’s interesting and it’s exciting.

How would you like your career to develop?

I have plenty of standard professional aspirations (mostly, more research papers) but ultimately I would love, love, love to be involved in developing renewable energy infrastructure in developing countries, through community or charity work within Locogen.

VICTOR CASTANEDA GUTIERREZ OTERO, GRADUATE ENGINEER IN CONSULTANCY

Victor

Why did you choose to work in renewables?

I think it all started during my undergrad in Chemical Engineering where I had some modules in environmental engineering and renewable energy. I immediately fell in love with the area. This led me to pursue an MSc in Sustainable Energy at the University of Edinburgh, which in turn led me to a PhD in industrial energy efficiency. It seems to me that renewables are a fast-growing industry that is going to challenge me in a variety of ways. I also see it as my small contribution to achieving a greener and more sustainable world.

And what attracted you to Locogen?

When I was about to finish my PhD, I started looking online for opportunities in the renewable energy sector. I came across a graduate position at Locogen, which lead me to Locogen’s website. I immediately liked the fact that Locogen takes on projects from conception and design, through to construction and management. This is a great way to get a lot of exposure to different parts of a renewable energy project and start a career in the sector. I also browsed some of the interviews (much like this one) and all the staff seemed to be nice, knowledgeable people. It turns out that is exactly the case and Locogen is a great place to work.

How would you like your career to develop?

I hope to achieve Chartered Engineer status and be able to lead the design and implementation of renewable energy projects.

CARTER SCOTT, GRADUATE ENGINEER IN CONSULTANCY

Carter

Why did you choose to work in renewables?

The renewable energy sector gives me the chance to be part of the fantastic movement that is the clean energy transition. I am also fascinated by how the renewable energy market is emerging within global economies, presenting a massive opportunity to decarbonise entire sectors.

And what attracted you to Locogen?

I chose to work at Locogen because of the amazing work they do and the wonderful teams that spearhead such work. The company is extremely passionate about renewable energy and is working to make the world a better place.

How would you like your career to develop?

I hope to be involved in planning and implementation of renewable energy projects, with perhaps some involvement on developing energy policies to encourage further uptake of renewables at all levels in the energy system.

We already have another two new starts in the pipeline for November – so keep an eye on our careers page if you’d like to join the team.

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