Turning the tide on the global energy skills shortage

In the diverse energy landscape, there is one universal challenge: the shortage of specialist skills.

Lack of skilled and experienced personnel makes it increasingly difficult to keep operations and key infrastructure running reliably and on schedule.

The shortage isn’t limited to one part of the energy mix - it affects the entire global landscape. But where there are challenges, there are also opportunities.

What's driving the global skills gap?

With an aging workforce, the Oil & Gas sector is seeing many experienced professionals heading towards retirement - and with them decades of hands-on offshore experience, which is near-to-impossible to replicate in the classroom. This expertise is closely tied with a transferable skillset, which is applicable to both traditional and renewable operations - hence the wider impact on the energy industry.

This pressure is compounded by the rise of digitalisation and automation, which require new expertise that many traditional maintenance teams aren’t fully equipped to handle. At the same time, training and development programmes are struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change and demand compounded by the diversified landscape.

Additionally, the cyclical nature of the energy industry can amplify the problem, with workforce reductions and relocation in response to downturns - or global events such as a pandemic - further disrupting the availability of skilled professionals.

However, this shortage is not uniform across the board.

• In mature markets like Europe and North America, the priority is to extend the life of aging infrastructure. Offshore companies are focused on upgrading legacy systems and integrating digital solutions that reduce downtime and enhance efficiency, all while meeting regulatory requirements.
  
  At the same time, the rise of offshore renewables, particularly wind energy, is creating additional demand for skilled professionals. This sector not only competes with traditional oil and gas for talent but also introduces new technical requirements, such as expertise in turbine installation, maintenance and grid integration, further widening the skills gap.

• In expanding markets such as Brazil, rapid offshore development is creating a pressing need for the workforce to manage new energy assets and maintain existing infrastructure. The pace of growth in these regions adds pressure to a limited talent pool, especially as projects become increasingly more technical, such as those in ultra deep waters.

• Emerging markets like Guyana are in the earlier stages of offshore energy development, with substantial discoveries driving growth. The country has seen significant investment in oil exploration and production, but lacks established infrastructure and a sufficiently skilled workforce. The focus here is on building the foundational systems and training personnel to support sustained energy output in the future.

How can you bridge the skills gap?

For companies facing these challenges, the immediate solution isn't always about hiring more people. Instead, they can focus on:

1. Upskilling your current workforce

By offering targeted training programs, you can help employees adapt to modern technologies and infrastructure management practices. The advantage of upskilling is twofold: not only do you build the capacity to meet today’s challenges, but you also create a process for ensuring the expertise of your workforce is preserved and passed-on continuously. At MDL, we bring decades of hands-on experience in lifting and pulling operations across a variety of markets. Our all-round expertise enables us to not only deliver efficient solutions but also provide tailored training that equips your workforce for success. From equipment-specific guidance to process-driven support, we're here to help your team develop the skills and confidence needed to deliver safe and efficient operations.

2. Leveraging partnerships and outsourcing

When in-house expertise is limited, partnering with specialist companies can be a valuable solution. Outsourcing allows you to bring in the precise skills and knowledge you need without the long-term commitment of expanding your internal team. By working with partners like MDL, you can access extensive expertise and resources as needed. From complex engineering solutions to maintenance and equipment upgrades, we provide the on-demand support your operations require, helping you meet your strategic objectives efficiently and cost-effectively.

3. Technologies and automation

Technology plays a key role in addressing the skills gap by enhancing both decision-making and operational efficiency. Software like MDL Pulse, our CMMS, provides the data needed to manage maintenance proactively. This reduces the strain on maintenance teams and keeps operations running smoothly. With MDL's remote connectivity, teams can access these systems from anywhere, staying connected and making decisions wherever they are.

Building on this, automation and AI take things further. By automating routine tasks, you can free up your teams to focus on more complex activities like problem-solving and streamlining processes. AI-powered systems work alongside predictive technologies, offering deeper insights and enabling more efficient operations. While they don't replace the need for skilled professionals, they help you do more with fewer resources, easing the pressure of hands-on experience.

4. Attracting and retaining talent through strategic development

While skills development is essential, attracting and retaining the right talent should be your main priority. Like MDL, businesses can build a culture of innovation by offering continuous learning, career progression opportunities and product development opportunities. This not only helps fill skill gaps but also fosters the ingenuity and forward-thinking mindset needed to stay competitive in the long term.

5. Collaborative industry efforts and knowledge sharing

Working together to share knowledge, best practices and resources creates a more skilled and adaptable workforce for the entire sector. Industry partnerships, joint ventures and alliances with educational institutions can facilitate the flow of talent and knowledge, ensuring that expertise is developed where it’s needed most.

Addressing today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow

The global shortage of specialist skills is a complex, multifaceted issue, but MDL's deep expertise and flexible approach allow us to provide the support needed to bridge this gap. With 25 years of applying our ingenious instinct across a range of specialist offshore equipment and operations, an approach rooted in both local expertise and a global perspective, we are ready to help you overcome this challenge.

We understand that no two projects are the same. That's why our services are designed to adapt to your specific needs. From providing bespoke engineering solutions and conducting gap analysis to identify improvement areas to implementing proactive maintenance strategies to extend asset life, we work closely with you to create the right solution. To discuss your requirements, get in touch today.