The global energy industry is at a point of profound change. As governments and corporations around the world up their commitments to carbon neutrality, renewable energy sources are set to make up 50% of the global energy mix by 2050 – a considerable increase from 29% in 2020.
With investment in renewable energy sources increasing, and fossil fuels being gradually phased out from the global energy supply, the workforce will have to reskill to fit the changing demands and challenges of a low-carbon energy industry.
For companies and staff looking to get ahead of the curve, this process has already begun. Those who adapt now will be best placed to make the most of the opportunities presented by green energy.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that more than 30 million new jobs could be created in green energy by 2030. Oil and gas jobs, on the other hand, are likely to fall as production and profits in the sector contract. In the UK, for example, the number of offshore renewable energy jobs are poised to overtake those in oil and gas by the end of the decade.
Many these new roles will be filled by skilled hands already working in the energy sector, who possess transferable skills applicable to jobs in renewable energy. A recent study from the Robert Gordon University found that over 90% of the UK’s oil and gas workforce have medium to high skills transferability, and are therefore well positioned to make the switch to green energy.
We expect similar trends globally. Many of the skills developed in oil and gas jobs – such as project management, test and assembly, health and safety, servicing and maintenance and mechanical engineering – are readily applicable to green energy.
As the energy industry evolves, so too should the talent acquisition and workforce management strategies of companies that operate within it. The first step for employers is to centralise planning, bringing together people from operations, human resources, finance, and innovation to discuss changes that can be implemented at a top-down level.
Planning should focus on the current and future needs of your workforce as the industry shifts to renewable energy sources. By clarifying the position of your company over the medium and long term, you can begin to identify skills gaps to fix going forward, either externally with new hires or internally through upskilling.
Companies that upskill their staff benefit from improved employee retention and a more adaptable workforce. According to Brunel’s 2021 Energy Outlook, upskilling is the most popular approach for tackling the renewable energy skills gap, with 64.7% of companies in the energy industry choosing to train and develop their existing workforce in preparation for the energy transition.
While the provision of training and development can be costly, so too is recruitment, which should be reserved for specialist jobs in renewable energy. Generally, a balance of upskilling and targeted recruitment, along with the creation of a working culture centred on continuous development, is the best way for companies to prepare for the energy transition.
Like their employers, workers should also be mindful of change in the energy industry. The trick for candidates is to learn the jobs market and identify opportunity areas, particularly those that overlap with any previous work experience in the energy industry or elsewhere.
Looking to the future, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) expects solar to make up the largest share of renewable energy jobs in 2050 with 19.9 million jobs, followed by bioenergy (13.7 million), wind (5.5 million) and hydropower (3.7 million).
With a career pathway mapped out, candidates can undertake the appropriate training for the role they have in mind. In some cases, particular qualifications may be required for technically complex renewable energy jobs.
There is a range of development opportunities available to candidates through private companies, government bodies and training providers. Organisations such as Iron and Earth, for example, are helping oil and gas workers transition to fast-growing fields like solar energy.
Petroplan works with clients, candidates and contractors from across the energy industry to ensure the right people are in place to support a smooth transition to renewable energy sources.
Whether you’re an employer seeking to scale your renewable operations or an oil and gas worker looking to switch careers, our team of experienced consultants will help you get set for a green future.
To find out how we can support you through the energy transition, contact us today.
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