3 June 2021
On May 11th John Skiller, Business Development Manager, was invited by Professor Wu and Professor Nordling of National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Tainan, Taiwan, to give a guest lecture to undergraduates on the theme of “Working in Wind”.
Enthusing students
Offshore wind plays a crucial role in the energy transition globally, and in Taiwan. To realize the development of offshore wind parks a substantial growth of the local pool of qualified professionals is needed. “We want to get increased awareness of the offshore wind career opportunities among young people in Taiwan,” says John. “By following this lecture, we hope adolescents pursuing a technical career realize that they can also pursue a career in offshore wind. That they can personally contribute to combat climate change, to change the future by working in (offshore) Renewables.”
NCKU is among the leading universities and is the most academically comprehensive research university in Taiwan. It is renowned for engineering, computer science, medicine, and planning and design and has more than 20,000 students enrolled. John’s audience, who came from the Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering departments, filled all the available (socially distanced) seating in the auditorium. The level of interest was impressive, with students patiently queuing an hour in advance of the lecture.
Offshore wind explained
John explained Atlas’ role in the renewables industry worldwide, and then set the scene of the wind industry in Taiwan and its ambitious growth plans for the coming decades. Students heard about the life cycle of a wind farm, with explanations of the technology and engineering activities involved. They also got acquainted with the lifestyle of offshore work, contracting and project mentality. To illustrate the impressive scale of construction and operations in the marine environment John’s presentation was punctuated by several short clips of offshore installation and daily work.
He then shifted focus towards careers, outlining the supply-chain of the companies operating in Taiwan and Atlas Professionals’ recent experience in Taiwan with a summary of the various roles we have fulfilled here. John also gave some suggestions of companies and internships that currently offer opportunities locally and engaged in a post-lecture discussion. “As offshore wind is relatively new in Taiwan, not everyone can grasp the extent of the transition and the career opportunities it offers. I hope to have bridged this gap with my lecture,” John concludes.
Are you interested in working in the Renewables industry in Taiwan? Find out more about the opportunities with Atlas Professionals Taiwan here.