The challenges of recruitment in the Energy sector

Challenge n°1: specialized profiles to support the energy transition

Globally, the energy transition is a top priority for governments and businesses. This strategy implies an increase in demand for profiles with clean and renewable energy skills.

Professionals with skills in renewable energies (solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal and biomass), as well as in technologies for energy storage, production and management of electricity from renewable sources, smart grids, or the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are, and will be, particularly looked for by companies.

In these areas related to the energy transition, job opportunities exist globally for people with skills in technology, project management, data analytics, supply chain management, regulatory energy and business development.

Challenge 2: IT skills to automate processes

More and more companies in the energy sector are focusing on the digitalization and automation of their production and distribution processes to improve the efficiency and productivity of energy production, energy distribution and supply chain management.

These automations create a demand for experienced profiles with skills in IT, data analysis, cybersecurity, or robotics and artificial intelligence.

Smart electrical networks (smart grids) or the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) are also increasingly widespread in companies in the energy sector:

• Smart grids are intelligent networks that allow companies to effectively monitor and manage energy production, distribution and consumption in real time, using advanced sensors and communication systems.
• The Internet of Things (IoT), integrated by companies in the energy sector, aims to monitor and control energy production and distribution equipment. This includes connected sensors, wireless communication networks and data platforms.

These technological developments require the use of experts in IT, IoT, security and data analysis.

Challenge n°3: women’s work in the energy sector

Although women are still underrepresented in the energy sector, let alone in technical jobs and management positions, there is significant progress being made to encourage their participation and improve the diversity of the industry. Numerous mentoring, networking and professional training programs, as well as awareness campaigns and equality policies aim to attract and retain female talent in the industry.

The skills sought are the same as for men, namely technical skills (engineering, technology, science and mathematics), operational skills (project management, planning, coordination and implementation of energy projects), managerial skills (management of teams, problem solving and communication) and commercial skills (sales and marketing).

According to the International Energy Agency, women make up approximately 22% of the energy sector workforce globally, with significant variations between regions and countries.

It is important to note that these numbers can change significantly by country and region:

• In the United States, women make up about 24% of the energy sector workforce, according to a 2020 study conducted by the American Petroleum Institute.
• In Europe, women make up around 20% of the energy sector workforce, according to a 2021 study conducted by the European Renewable Energy Association.
• In Africa, women represent on average 20% of the energy sector workforce in the United Arab Emirates, 17% in North Africa, and 14% in sub-Saharan Africa, with strong variations depending on the country.
• In Asia, women make up about 11% of the energy sector workforce, according to a 2018 study conducted by the International Energy Agency.

Technical, technological and human transformations are at the heart of the challenges facing the energy sector. These developments offer experts with specialized skills in these new disciplines multiple opportunities for assignments all over the world.

> If you have skills in the oil and gas, renewable energy or nuclear sectors, visit our assignment offers and apply online