Fresh talent making waves
A world of cleaner oceans and greener, more energy-efficient boats got a boost in Sue Molloy’s kitchen.
Dr. Sue Molloy is a Naval Architect and Ocean Engineer and the CEO of Glas Ocean Electric, a small business based on the Halifax Harbour that manufactures electric boat propulsion kits. Those kits convert traditional boat motors into hybrid machines, reducing diesel consumption and taking a big bite from their carbon footprint.
Sue left a successful career to start Glas Ocean Electric for very personal reasons.
“I want to leave a better world behind for my kids,” she says. “And one of my ways of going about it is by electrifying boats. My goal is to reduce emissions and make boats energy secure.”
Sue’s first office was her kitchen island and her first employee was a fresh-out-of-school university graduate. The company is now using artificial intelligence (AI), data, and taking a systems approach to electrifying vessels. And a diverse team of young grads and co-op students are helping this innovative work.
As the recipients of the 2021 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering, they’re clearly on the right track.
“Innovation is not possible without fresh ideas and the latest education. We have purposely maintained a diverse team of new-to-industry talent as well as experienced workers,” says Sue.
Glas Ocean Electric has two recent Dalhousie grads, Yuvraj Singh Rathod (Yuvi) and Camryn Gallagher, and a co-op student, Praise Toluhi, on its team.
Yuvi is part of the electric propulsion kit design team, while Camryn collects and analyses data and operates the test vessel so the Glas Ocean Electric team can measure the impact of its technology on boat performance and ocean health. Praise compliments them by helping with mechanical design.
Hiring new staff on a tight budget can be a challenge for small businesses. That’s why Sue tapped into the Graduate to Opportunity (GTO) program to hire Environmental Sciences grad Camryn in 2022.
GTO provides a salary incentive to Nova Scotia employers who hire recent post-secondary graduates for permanent, full-time jobs. Eligible employers receive 25% of the grad’s first year salary — 35% if the grad is a member of a designated diversity group — and 12.5% of the grad’s second year salary from the Province.
“I believe in setting expectations super high and I have seen our young staff rise to our challenges.” Sue says. “They understand that we have a goal and a mission — we have to get the job done.”
Glas Ocean Electric’s boat propulsion kits have been improving with each iteration, and round of on-the-water testing, and the company is getting closer to commercial production. Sue points to the independent thinking and accountability of her young team members as critical ingredients in the company’s progress.
“Hiring recent grads and co-op students should be on the top of the mind of all employers.”
Businesses looking to hire fresh talent should consider applying for the Graduate to Opportunity program. To date, more than 1,000 employers across Nova Scotia have used GTO to hire fresh young minds and save money at the same time.
