Offshore staff
LONDON — Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has published its annual Workforce Insight report, which claims that retaining and recruiting staff is critical to securing Britain’s energy supplies.
The findings
- Total employment in the offshore oil and gas and renewable energy sectors in 2021 is up by 22,000 and forecast to grow further;
- There was an overall increase in numbers of people working offshore of 12% in March 2021, compared to March 2020 (as more staff were allowed on facilities following COVID-19 restrictions); and
- An age range of 30-44 represented 45% of the overall workforce with a reduction in the 60+ age range workforce.
Skills shortage
Katy Heidenreich, OEUK’s supply chain and people director, said, “Our report shows that competition for talent and continued uncertainty on [petroleum] taxes could spell a premature end for the UK’s clean energy ambitions. We need urgent action from governments to give confidence to the sector, so we can recruit and retain the talented needed.
“As the national recovery from the pandemic takes shape and the energy security challenge intensifies, competition for skilled workers is increasing. The shortage is being made worse by competition from major national infrastructure projects.”
More than 200,000 people supported the UK’s offshore energy industry last year, she continued, adding that many of OEUK’s members are facing real skills shortages in delivering activity to support the UK’s energy security.
"OEUK is currently working with our members to develop an accurate picture of the nature of these gaps, identify the reasons for them and recommend an action plan that we will share with government,” she said.
The publication also noted progress in promoting workforce transferability, with training groups collaborating to align standards for the 15 most common offshore roles, and work is underway to develop an offshore energy skills "passport."
12.05.2022
