Workforce Development for the Energy Industry

Abstract This paper provides a new analysis of the impending workforce shortage in the energy industry. The study considers retirement and energy transition-related factors confusing the younger generation and their lack of interest in pursuing energy-related areas. It shows how the supply chains in all energy sectors require systematic progression in producing a trained workforce for the energy industry. We examined various data sources across engineering, production and operations, service, utilities, and power and noted the magnitude of the shortfall. Our analysis also includes data from typical trade schools and mainstream universities that cannot attract students to energy-related areas. We also analyzed data from a recent high school STEM teacher colloquium. We observe that while retirements will have a major impact on production growth in energy-related industries, the new energy industry requires skilled workers who are not yet in the training stages. Our analysis also shows the critical shortfalls in the education of high school teachers regarding awareness of the opportunities. We believe the need will be in all phases of the energy industry, from oil and gas to alternative sources. We emphasize the need for recruiting efforts at different levels. Also, we show how a more diversified curriculum is needed across public education, starting in high schools. Both professional/engineering roles & trade roles for operational aspects of the various energy industries need to be addressed. Engagements between universities and technical trade schools are in scope. This study provides a tangible description of the realities of the workforce shortages for the "Energy Transition" and increasing power generation demand. It also offers some solutions associated with workforce development that require changes in engineering education, including environmental issues.