The 'Passion Pursuit' for the talent of tomorrow

Passion is a powerful force that can drive us toward success and fulfilment in all aspects of life. However, when it comes to our career journey, passion plays an even more critical role.

Having a gig you're passionate about is like hitting the jackpot for a bunch of reasons. When you're doing something you love, work feels less like a chore and more like a calling. Passion gives you that natural drive to put in the extra effort and time, making you more resilient when life throws curveballs your way. You start seeing challenges as opportunities to flex your problem-solving muscles rather than roadblocks. In addition, passion sparks creativity and keeps you hungry for knowledge, making you better at what you do.

It's not just about job satisfaction; it's like having a secret sauce that makes you more productive and always striving for excellence. In the end, a job you're passionate about isn't just a job-it's a game-changer for your happiness and success.

I recently wrote about how I was making an effort to change how I asked my daughter questions about her future, and, rather than asking what job did she want to do, I started asking her who she wanted to be and what she was passionate about.

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Asking a child who they want to be instead of just what they want to do is like diving into the real superhero stuff. It's not just about jobs and skills; it's about the kind of person they want to become and the impact they want to make. You get them thinking about being brave, kind, creative or, innovative. It's a cool way to talk about their dreams and the kind of impact they want to have on the world.

Having a conversation with a child about their passions and sources of motivation involves delving into the aspects of life that truly inspire them. Rather than solely focusing on career paths, this approach seeks to understand the activities and interests that evoke enthusiasm and excitement. By inquiring, "What pursuits ignite a sense of joy and motivation within you?" we can uncover the unique sources of passion that may guide them towards fulfilling and purposeful endeavours.

Identifying these elements can be instrumental in shaping a future where they not only work but find genuine fulfilment in a life that aligns with their intrinsic motivations.

And what a place to start than the world they live on.

Children are naturally captivated by the Earth for a myriad of reasons. Their innate sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with exposure to the diverse landscapes and ecosystems around them, fuels a fascination with the planet. From the excitement of outdoor exploration to the dynamic changes brought about by the seasons, children are drawn to the Earth's rich tapestry of nature. The variety of animals and wildlife, combined with the sense of adventure in discovering the intricacies of the environment, further contributes to their keen interest. Additionally, as environmental awareness grows, children may develop a curiosity about the Earth's ecosystems, climate change, and the importance of conservation. This fascination often lays the groundwork for a lifelong appreciation of the environment and a sense of responsibility for the Earth's well-being.

A passionate career in Renewables

So, we have established that the world they live on and how it is changing is a source of interest, responsibility and in some cases, passion for many of todays children. Channelling that into something tangible is for us 'grown ups' to help guide them.

A green transition, including a shift to renewable energy, will create 24 million jobs by 2030. And, there are a number of great reasons to pursue careers within the renewables sector, not just the concept of ‘passion-capture’ but financially and in terms of diversity and representation too!

STEM careers play a particularly important role in the transition and research by Korn Ferry Hay Group has found that graduates in science, technology, engineering, and maths related subjects can earn nearly 20% more than their peers.? Jobs in renewables are also more gender balanced than in the broader energy field, with women holding 32% of the total positions compared to 20% in Fossil Fuel industries.

By highlighting the innovative aspects of renewable energy technologies, we can connect the field to their fascination with cutting-edge solutions. The diverse range of careers within the sector, from scientists and engineers to project managers and marketing specialists, emphasise that there are numerous exciting paths them to explore. Real-life success stories and the involvement of role models can further inspire them, demonstrating that individuals with similar passions are making a significant impact.

Ultimately, by presenting renewable energy careers as impactful, innovative, and in line with their passion, we can spark children's curiosity and instil a genuine interest in contributing to a more sustainable world.

Effectively harnessing a child's passion involves keen observation and active engagement. By attentively listening to their conversations, observing play, and identifying activities that capture their interest, we can encourage exploration and provide opportunities for hands-on experiences. Asking open-ended questions fosters critical thinking, and offering learning resources, such as books or educational materials, broadens their understanding of the subject. Supporting skill development, creating a supportive environment, and encouraging goal-setting contributes to the child's overall growth, making the learning experience both enjoyable and meaningful. Meaning, they can focus on who they want be whilst we support how they can do it.

To conclude, passion-chasing is the ultimate adventure that can lead to securing a life of fulfilment and success. Passions push people out of their comfort zone, especially children, and they encourage the exploration of new territories and self-discovery.

If you can encourage someone to pursue what they love and make something real out of it, please, do.

Because a world of change-makers is a better one.

All children should be able to see themselves in the things they learn.

And I am proud to say that we firmly believe this at Hydro Energy Group which is why we are committed to supporting the next wave of talent in the Offshore and Renewables sector with our Net-Zero Skills programme for children launching this year where we want to change passions into progress.

This will see us collaborating with many of our great industry connections to prioritise three major goals:

1. Promote the visibility and awareness of careers within the Renewables Sector.
2. Promote diversity and accessibility within those careers.
3. Create clear career pathways and access to funding and support.

So, watch this space on this one...

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