The global recruitment partner Petroplan’s survey on Talent Insight Index 2017 has revealed that the oil and gas industry is facing skill shortages among workers, with many professionals intending to move jobs to other sectors as a potential career choice
The survey entitled ‘Talent Insight Index: an annual barometer for the oil, gas and energy industry,’ gathered information from more than 2,000 industry professionals including the permanent employees, contractors and people who are actively looking for roles in the various disciplines in the oil and gas industry.
According to the survey, 22 per cent of respondents viewed that the industry lacked the right talent for its growth.
More than a third of respondents agreed that the emergence of digitization and big data has increased the role of technological advances, with the growing need to develop IT skills in the industry.
The respondents hold the opinion that the advancements of IT skills will help in reducing costs and Improving operational efficiency to make the digital oilfield a reality.
According to more than a three quarter of respondents in the survey, some of the common destinations for oil and gas employees are renewable and construction.
The respondents agreed that providing additional benefits beyond salaries such as health coverage and pensions can play a crucial role in preventing oil and gas workers to move their jobs from the sector.
Petroplan’s survey has described that majority of the respondents see oil and gas industry as a cyclical industry. Around 40 per cent of the respondents predicted that a recovery in the situation will take place in the next two years.
Commenting on the current slump in oil prices, many of the respondents observed the downturn to have had some beneficial side-effects, with almost half of the respondents hoping an improved decision-making, greater innovation and scope to increase productivity.
Rory Ferguson, CEO at Petroplan, said, “The results of the Talent Insight Index show a clear opportunity for both the oil and gas industry and specialist recruiters. Companies need to build an employer brand that stands out, by offering training and a variety of work opportunities to existing staff and new hires and contractors as well as permanent employees.”
Ferguson further added that the oil and gas companies need to take initiatives to attract and develop IT expertise, from graduates to mid-career professionals, with an aim to ensure a continuous support from the talent resources for the growth of the industry.
