Breaking Barriers: Inspiring Careers in the Energy Sector

Abstract Inspiring the future workforce and providing the means to develop the skills of the next generation is vital to the success of the energy sector. Through supporting a wide range of STEM activities worldwide including STEM programmes, events, and available scholarships, as an industry, we can work together to ensure that young people are equipped with the relevant knowledge and skills, enabling them to pursue a career within the energy sector and help to shape a sustainable energy mix for the future. With the landscape of the energy industry transitioning from primarily fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, it is important for industry to engage with young people globally to encourage interest and educate them on STEM subjects whilst showcasing the diverse future career opportunities within the energy sector in line with their interests and strengths. A research project was commissioned with the aim of gaining insight and a unique analysis of the key barriers perceived by young people in pursuing a career in the energy industry. A total of 4,000 people aged between 18–30 participated in the survey, from the USA, UAE, Brazil, and Malaysia, viewed as four major global energy hubs. Participants were split equally between each of the four countries and between genders. The survey consisted of questions summarising the importance of the energy transition, familiarity with employment opportunities, the impact of the energy transition on the future, and what they view as both challenges and barriers, and motivators when considering a future career within the energy sector. Key takeaways from the survey include that 67% of participants were interested in pursuing a career within the energy industry, and 76% indicated that they believe the energy transition is either ‘important’ or ‘very important’. Significantly, within the UAE, although 58.5% of participants were in support of transitioning to renewable energy, 38.2% were in support of maintaining fossil fuels for energy—the highest among all other countries surveyed. When examining what participants perceived as the biggest challenges to working in the energy sector, the top three results were: special qualifications or certifications, lack of knowledge about the energy sector, and education (STEM qualifications). The results show that increasing awareness, and the provision of appropriate skills is crucial to ensuring a safe and skilled workforce is available for the future of the energy industry. Awareness of job opportunities, whilst also creating clear pathways for young people to both pursue new skills and utilise existing ones, is pivotal to achieving this goal.