Global warming has seen most sectors and countries turning to renewable and clean sources of energy such as offshore wind. Currently, there has been considerable growth in the offshore wind energy sector. The growth is also projected to increase by 50% in 2025. Thus, many opportunities are present in the industry, and many engineers and talents from oil and gas are looking forward to benefiting from the opportunities present.
What are the opportunities in the offshore wind industry for oil and gas talent?
Offshore wind is currently among the leading sources of power around the globe. Thus, many professionals from the gas and oil sectors are transitioning into the offshore wind sector. Greenpeace UK and Campaigners platform shows that 53% of professionals what to move to the offshore wind industry.
Additionally, the offshore wind industry is relatively young. Some countries in the world have not yet or are in the early stages of implementing it. Thus, there are many untapped potentials in the industry. The untapped potential ensures that oil and gas professionals have significant opportunities ahead of them in the industry.
Furthermore, the alignment of skills between offshore wind and the oil and gas industry ensures plenty of opportunities for the oil and gas talent looking forward to transitioning and participating in the offshore wind recruitment process.
Therefore, one of the challenges the sector is expected to face is how to get the right experts to ensure the smooth running of processes. Therefore, sourcing the right experts can cause limitations on international and local clients, especially those who need to employ only wind projects experts.
Best transferable skills from oil and gas to offshore wind
Most of the technology used in the offshore industry is almost equivalent to that used in the oil and gas sector. For example, the technology used in management skills, engineering, and construction is similar. Furthermore, offshore wind recruitment requires talents with civil engineering backgrounds in the gas and oil sector. The professionals will fit perfectly in the renewable industry.
Some of the transferable technical skills that have high demand in offshore wind energy include; surveying, geotechnical engineering, marine engineering, fabrication superintendents, foundation packaging managers, offshore construction specialists, client site representatives, HSE site reps, offshore HSE reps, QC/QA professionals, subsea engineers, installation managers, environmental surveyors, and site representatives.
Some soft skills from the oil and gas industry include; organizational skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, management and leadership skills, safety and health skills, behavioral skills, and collaboration and teamwork skills.
Considerations that transitioning professionals need to look at
- Get required certifications: some skills are easily transferable from oil and gas to offshore wind. But, some also require proper accreditations. Thus, closing the gap between candidates by getting certified is crucial.
- Establish a niche: Before you begin the job search, first identify where you want to work. Then ensure to consider how many opportunities are present in the selected field and whether you have the skills to match.
The offshore wind industry has many opportunities. Therefore, the many transitioning talents present from the oil and gas sectors are expected to fill the vacancies. Furthermore, the opportunities will benefit not only the companies but also the transitioning professionals.
