Rajib Ahsan
Director, Operations, Hydropower and Dams,
Hatch
Hatch’s Accelerated Training Program is rapidly transforming young engineers into leaders, powering the future energy workforce.
Canada’s hydropower sector is growing as we strive to meet our net-zero emissions target by 2050. Hydropower — also known as hydroelectric energy — currently accounts for 61.7 per cent of Canada’s total electricity generation, and this is expected to rise to meet the increasing demand for renewable energy.
Despite the sector’s potential, hydropower poses a unique challenge: hiring and training the next generation of hydropower specialists is no small feat. “The hydropower industry requires engineers with specialized skills across various disciplines, but the absence of a coordinated and a specialized educational program nationally, lack of awareness among students about career opportunities in hydropower, and the industry’s aging workforce create a gap that’s difficult to fill quickly,” says Rajib Ahsan, Director, Operations, Hydropower and Dams at Hatch, a global engineering, project delivery, and professional services firm head- quartered in Mississauga, Ont. “This makes succession planning quite a challenge. And becoming a specialist in hydropower engineering typically takes about 12 to 15 years due to the extensive training and experience that are required.”
Proactively powering the future energy workforce
Hatch’s Accelerated Training Program aims to overcome these challenges. Created by the Hydropower and Dams team at Hatch, the program was designed to develop the company’s young, promising engineers and to upskill them at a faster pace to become technical leaders.
“Our Accelerated Training Program is guided by our Manifesto and led by top industry experts, combining group work, one-on-one mentorship, and real-life problem-solving,” says Ahsan. “It’s a journey that begins with foundational knowledge and continues as mentors stay connected with participants, helping them grow within projects for long-term career development at Hatch.”
Through the program, Hatch is proactively powering the future energy workforce. “The hydropower sector needs more professionals for future leadership,” says Ahsan. “We take succession planning seriously by training our staff and providing opportunities for them to take on stretch roles, which are roles that push participants to take on leadership aspects in projects. We also encourage our professionals to share their knowledge with the industry through technical papers, workshops, and conferences. We get them involved in professional associations so they can contribute to the wider industry and learn from it, too.”
Championing a lower-carbon future with hydropower
The Accelerated Training Program is a shining example of Hatch’s continued commitment to providing innovative, and sustainable solutions in the hydropower industry.
“Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of our work at Hatch, with solutions like our advanced FMEA tool for dam safety and our contribution to the field of concrete growth modeling with the development of the Alkali-Aggregate Reaction growth law, which are testaments to our commitment to providing sustainable solutions for complex challenges,” says Ahsan.
Hatch’s ongoing impact in hydropower — and its rich history — are undeniable. “This year marks a century of Hatch’s involvement in the hydropower industry, and we’re committed to continuing this legacy, staying at the forefront of innovation, and nurturing a workforce that will power a more sustainable future,” says Ahsan.
The company’s involvement in significant projects, including the Keeyask Generating Station in Manitoba, BC Hydro’s Spillway Gates rehabilitation, and the Central Hidroeléctrica 3 de Febrero Project in El Salvador, showcase its powerful technical expertise.
Want to get involved and accelerate your career? Learn more at hatch.com.
