Petroplan Publishes Talent26 Round Table Conclusions
In November, Petroplan hosted the Talent26 Round Table, bringing together senior decision makers, workforce leaders, and experienced recruiters from across the energy sector to examine the workforce challenges and priorities shaping industry planning for 2026.
The event was held against a backdrop of increasing project activity, evolving skill requirements, and continued competition for experienced talent. Participants gathered to share perspectives on how organizations are preparing their people, teams, and strategies for the next phase of industry growth.
Discussion focused on key themes influencing workforce planning, including talent availability, digital capability, changing expectations around work, leadership development, and the staffing demands of major capital projects. Attendees also highlighted areas of progress, sharing examples of how companies are adapting to keep teams engaged and projects moving forward.
Talent26 reflects Petroplan’s commitment to open dialogue and shared understanding across the energy ecosystem. By convening industry leaders in a collaborative setting, the round table helped clarify the priorities expected to shape workforce strategies in 2026 and reinforced the value of collective insight in preparing for the year ahead.
These are just a few of the conclusions in the full report:
- The energy sector faces a rapidly changing talent landscape driven by overlapping priorities, faster project timelines, and rising workforce expectations.
- Hybrid work is a major point of tension, balancing flexibility for retention against the need for in-person coordination on complex projects.
- Universities are not producing enough job-ready graduates, though industry-led internships and applied programs are helping close gaps.
- Sector growth is outpacing talent supply, particularly in LNG, hydrogen, and new-energy projects.
- Scarcity of senior technical talent is increasing hiring, relocation, and competition costs.
- Early-career pipelines, including contract-to-hire pathways, are proving effective for long-term workforce development.
- Competition for experienced professionals is intensifying across operators, EPCs, and service companies.
To receive a full copy of the findings, contact Craig McConochie at craig.mcconochie@petroplan.com.