Global Energy Talent Index reveals mass skills shift

According to the report by Airswift and Energy Jobline, the energy and engineering industries are experiencing a growing technical skills shortage, meaning recruiters across all energy sectors are more likely to seek technical skills outside their company than in-house.

Many companies are also turning to automation over recruitment or talent development, the GETI found. Four energy sectors — power, petrochemicals, oil and gas and renewables — are now more likely to adapt their skills to a changing energy landscape through AI and automation than through mentoring existing employees or recruiting.

The clean energy transition’s accompanying ‘exodus of skills’ from traditional to renewable energy could exacerbate skills shortages in some sectors, the report said. Over three quarters of professionals in traditional energy sectors would consider switching to another sector within three years according to its findings, and most potential career-changers in oil and gas, power and nuclear would move to renewables.