Baby Boomers are retiring from leading positions in companies in the oil and gas industry, and fewer new graduates are interested in careers in energy. This situation has left the oil and gas industry woefully short of workers. In short, it constitutes a human resources crisis.
This situation has existed for a decade in the oil and gas industry, but it is getting progressively more critical because there is overflow into energy related careers such as those that fall into the category of energy efficiency.
The energy efficiency field includes entities and departments within utilities, consulting firms, and non-profit organizations that are dedicated to creating an energy resource through efficiency programs.
A recent survey conducted by the Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP) found that despite continued high unemployment, the energy efficiency industry is still short of workers. Survey results showed nearly 60% believe there is a lack of talented workers, and 82% believe today’s graduates do not understand the career opportunities present in energy efficiency.
According to an AESP press release, although energy has taken center stage in political debates, the field is not attracting large numbers of new employees.
“Energy efficiency is a rapidly growing segment of the overall energy industry and we believe there is a clear lack of talent that is necessary to fill the positions that are open,” said Meg Matt, president and CEO of AESP. “The public and private sectors are spending record amounts on energy efficiency programs that reduce the pressure on supply; and, as the current workforce in the energy field ages, many will be retiring. In fact, every eight seconds a Baby Boomer turns 65. These dynamics are creating widespread hiring. We anticipate that the number of jobs in this field will double over the next 10 years.”
In the informal survey conducted by AESP, more than half of the respondents reported they are looking for workers.
Given the starting salaries, one would expect more interest. According to AESP, more then 80% of the respondents reported that positions that are open now have salaries that range from $50,000 and $100,000. And positions with compensation of between $100,000 and $150,000 were cited by 28 percent of the respondents.
Jobs fall under the categories of sales, program management, engineering, management, and marketing/communications.
AESP provides professional development programs, a network of energy practitioners, and promotes the transfer of knowledge and experience. One of the organization’s objectives is to help fill these many open positions. If you’re interested in knowing more, click here (www.aesp.org)
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