It all started with a primary school presentation on acid rain.
While some of the watching children fidgeted and whispered to each other, others sat stunned at the facts being presented. But there was one girl, who sat there seething.
“I was furious that the adults were telling us that we were going to have to solve these problems. They seemed to take no accountability in finding the solution with us, let alone for us.”
That girl, Katrina Swalwell, is now Director, Technical of Engineering at Windlab, and she has dedicated her career to being at the forefront of developing clean, renewable energy.
“While I haven’t quite got to the point of being able to say to my own kids that I have the solved environmental issues like climate change – at least I can say I’m part of it.”
Katrina says if you also want to be part of the ground-breaking work in an innovative industry that’s creating real change for a greener future, now is the perfect time to grow your career in the industry.
“There are lots of opportunities in renewable energy and energy storage at the moment because more and more developers are coming into the field. It’s fun work, and I think it’s ethically the right place to be too – you feel you are making a positive impact every day.”
Be part of the solution
Initially, Katrina thought she would make her mark on the world as a scientist, but while on work experience at CSIRO (the Australian Government agency for scientific research) she decided engineering was the path for her.
“I was told that in engineering you get paid more for answering the same questions! So, I studied science and engineering, and spent time abroad in Denmark learning about wind energy.
“Denmark was the leading country in developing turbine energy has some of the world’s key research centres and universities. My honors project was on the performance of small turbines in wind conditions, and my PhD was on wind turbine aerodynamics in turbulent winds.”
A choice of roles to suit your skill set
Having worked in renewables for more than 20 years, Katrina has seen huge changes in how the industry operates. It’s an area that has seen massive growth recently – and as a result, there are currently lots of opportunities to launch or grow your existing career.
“There are a lot of open positions in renewable energy at the moment. Worldwide, there is a transition to this space and people are keen to be part of it. A lot of renewable energy developers – both big international developers and smaller players – have entered Australia and there’s a demand for a wide range of skills. So, if you have the relevant skills there are positions available that could suit you.”
As one of our top Australian employers for Paid Parental leave benefits, is Windlab a workplace that could work for you?
What sets Windlab apart?
With her experienced technical background, Windlab’s emphasis on engineering and development is what drew Katrina to the company.
“I was looking at several companies, but it was the engineering focus at Windlab that was attractive to me. I enjoy the technical space and innovation, so these were the key reasons I joined.”
Another way Windlab differentiates itself from its competitors is by having its own in-house team of engineers. Katrina says this means Windlab can react rapidly to change and secure itself as a leader in the field of producing 100% clean energy.
“Other developers outsource engineering to consultants, but at Windlab we have built that into our internal teams. Having that in-house engineering knowledge lets us work through risks and problems more quickly and helps us be more innovative.”
Being more involved in the development side has also given Katrina a greater appreciation and understanding of the industry as a whole.
“My previous roles were in consultancy and with a manufacturer, so working with the developers at Windlab was a new angle for me. I have even more respect for developers than I had coming in! In my previous roles, we often only saw the product of a development process, but we didn’t see all the effort that goes in. From the end, it’s easy to have hindsight, but in the thick of it, it’s more challenging.”
Feel supported at Windlab
Having joined Windlab a little over a year ago, Katrina has already been promoted to her current role as Director, Technical. And she has achieved this all while working a four-day week. Which she thinks shows how Windlab is focused on creating a more diverse and equitable workplace by offering a range of flexible work options.
“I think diversity in all forms is important in any industry, and means you get better outcomes. But to get a diverse team you need those flexible work options. I appreciate the flexibility available here at Windlab.
“I work four days a week, and I’m actively supported to really only work four days. Not a five-day workload in a four-day timeframe, or the unspoken expectation to log in on the fifth day. And when the workload is heavy, I can trust others to help out so I don’t have to take on everything myself. I think that’s one of the reasons I’m so happy here.”
Teamwork is also crucial at Windlab – from getting projects over the finish line to enabling people to do their jobs in the way that works for them. Katrina says the team is the number one reason she loves her job.
“The company has grown a lot recently, but I’m impressed at how well it’s kept its culture. It’s a special team because of the supportive environment.”
What does the future hold?
Reflecting back on that lesson on acid rain when she was at school, Katrina now hopes to inspire the next generation to get involved too – but without placing the responsibility entirely on them!
“I presented at a kids in STEM event last year about the work we do, and there were lots of questions from the kids about engineering after that. To a lot of children, engineering doesn’t feel like a visible profession, so I’m pleased I’m able to shine a light on the industry.”
Katrina’s career at Windlab looks like it’s fully energized, but she knows there’s plenty of work still to do – and it’s a mission that will keep everyone busy for years to come.
“For me, the ultimate aim is to have an energy grid where people can use energy and know they aren’t harming the environment in the process.”
To help Katrina and her team develop solutions for the future, why not look at developing your own career in renewable energy at Windlab?
