IT in the energy and utilities industry is changing fast, with companies shifting to green energy and adapting to new energy use trends worldwide. It’s a new world of compliance with rapidly evolving technologies that require state-of-the-art talent.
The energy and utilities industry needs skilled IT professionals from various fields like power grid technology and renewable energy, however nearly half of the current workforce could retire in the next 10 years. There’s a looming shortage of several million workers, who are desperately needed by global organizations to meet the United Nations’ energy goals for 2030.
Attracting top talent is a big challenge for the industry, and younger workers today might be apprehensive to join, expecting their employer’s values to align with their own. To tackle this, companies should look for experts in smart grid technology, nuclear IT, energy security, and sustainable energy software, and they should align their branding and recruitment strategy to attract top talent. By using smart hiring strategies and working with recruiting experts, companies can stand out and succeed in the growing market.
By 2030, the utilities sector will require 105,000 new employees, according to the Department of Energy. That said, only 25,000 current workers are interested in these jobs. This big gap calls for new, innovative ways to recruit. Employers often spend a lot of money over five years just to get new hires up to full productivity. Investing in quick-start training can cut these costs by nearly half, saving over $162,000 per new employee.
To find a solution to the shortage, companies can reach out to communities and post-secondary institutions to offer training out the gate. They develop solid plans for their workforce, which they know is key, however they still struggle with retention and it costs them significantly. Working with a specialized recruitment firm is one way to save on long-term operational and recruitment costs and to source the right talent fast.
Key Takeaways
- The energy and utilities industry is changing fast, creating a high demand for skilled IT, tech, and software experts.
- With nearly half the workforce in energy and utilities eligible to retire soon, there is a massive shortage of talent.
- Attracting new, young talent to the industry is a major challenge.
- Training new employees quickly can significantly reduce costs and improve productivity faster, and working with a specialized IT recruitment firm is a quick way to accelerate the process.
- To fill the growing job gap, companies need to find creative ways to hire and work with educational institutions, aligning with what the younger generation is looking for.
- A strong, future-oriented plan for the energy and utilities IT workforce is crucial for long-term success in the energy and utilities sector.
The Digital Transformation of the Energy and Utilities Sector
The energy and utilities sector is changing with digital advancements. These include smart grids, renewable energy, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The move towards digitalization is changing the way this industry works. It needs IT experts to bring in and keep up with these new technologies. This transformation also demands professionals skilled in areas like renewable energy software, power grid tech, cybersecurity, and oil and gas systems.
The Impact of Smart Grids, Renewable Energy, and IoT
The mix of smart grids, renewable energy, and IoT is making a big difference in energy use. It makes producing, spreading, and using energy smarter and better. Here are some of the improvements:
- Improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions
- Enhanced grid reliability and resilience
- Greater flexibility in energy management and demand response
- Increased customer engagement and empowerment
Yet, getting these technologies to work well requires a skilled workforce.
Hiring fresh talent is already proving difficult in the solar sector, according to capital intelligence company SPG Global: 89% of solar companies surveyed for the National Solar Jobs Census by the U.S. Interstate Renewable Energy Council, or IREC, reported difficulties finding qualified applicants last year. They cited competition, a small applicant pool, and a lack of training, experience and technical skills.
Partnering with Procom to Secure Top Energy and Utilities IT Professionals
The energy sector is changing rapidly with digital innovation and a shrinking talent pool. It’s key to find skilled IT professionals for success. Procom, one of North America’s leading recruiting firms, can help you connect with these experts. They understand the unique needs and challenges of the energy industry, making them great at connecting you with top talent in fields like renewable energy, cybersecurity, and more. They also provide market intelligence and have access to thousands of data points on all the latest hiring trends.
Procom’s Extensive Network of IT Talent
Procom accesses a wide pool of IT professionals through its partnerships, with a database full of skilled candidates. This specialized IT talent pool has the special skills needed to boost innovation in the energy sector. By working with Procom, you can access up-to-date resources and overcome hiring blocks in the energy and utilities sector. This lets you find the talent necessary to stay ahead of the competition in the energy industry.
