Digitalization is one of the biggest key trends shaping the energy workforce today. In fact, it is "revitalizing" the energy industry, according to the recently released Global Energy Talent Index (GETI) report.
"Digitalization isn't just reshaping how the energy industry functions-it is causing companies to think differently about how they form their workforce," the GETI report states.
The report, which was the second edition in the GETI series produced by energy job board Energy Jobline and workforce solutions provider Airswift, looked at the rise of automated technology and its impact on the future energy workplace. Based on a 38-question survey of 20,826 workers and hiring managers from 163 countries over a 6-week period closing in October 2017, the in-depth report also provided a global and regional analysis of salaries and remuneration, hiring rates, job opportunities, and the movement of people.
It cast a wide net over the entire energy industry spectrum, from oil and gas and petrochemicals to power, renewables, and nuclear. The results for the petroleum industry were among the most telling.
Addressing perceptions
One of the biggest hurdles for the oil and gas industry in attracting future talent, the report says, is addressing the perception that it lags other industries when it comes to technology. This is particularly true currently, as the oil and gas business comes through several difficult financial years and as the price of oil swings back upwards; it is now that this focus on attracting highly skilled talent becomes paramount.
The report finds, "Because technology talent is increasingly at a premium, sectors are having to adapt their recruitment approaches in an effort to enhance their appeal."
Companies are leaning on digitalization for "creative solutions to the skills gap." One such example-flexible working-uses technology "to enable a more-relaxed working setup" to "enhance a company's appeal at a lower total cost than wage hikes," the report says.
The report continues, "In transforming the energy industry, technology will also bring some parity across the individual sectors. Anyone with an eye on predictive analytics, robotics, or artificial intelligence can find a project to pique their interest. Individuals seeking a chance to work with innovative technologies will no longer feel limited to the renewables sector."
Encouraging mobility, youth
Salaries in the oil and gas business, the report finds, continue to be the highest in the energy industry. And yet, new jobs continue to outpace the availability of talent. "As technology becomes more complex, finding people with the adequate skills is increasingly difficult," the report notes.
Also, "Hiring managers will need to get creative in understanding how skills from another sector can translate over," the report finds. "Mobility is high because individuals are intrigued by what's next," it said, adding, "People are more likely to move for development opportunities than job security."
Companies will have to continue to appeal to younger workers, focusing on graduate and university outreach programs. "Showcasing the innovative projects taking place-and the opportunities available-can promote energy as a viable and exciting career path," the report states.
Overall, the energy industry would appear to be set for a "bright future" as it continues on the path to digitalization.
Details on the report are available by e-mailing [email protected].
