As 2018 begins, companies in every industry are making plans and noting major trends – and the energy industry is no different. Here are some of the biggest predicted energy sector hiring trends in 2018 and how your organization can prepare to meet the challenges they pose.
2017’s early growth trends appear to be gaining momentum.
2016 was a rough year for the energy industry. Many companies laid off employees as oil prices fell, natural gas became a major competitor and several businesses and large organizations started looking at renewables.
While 2017 offered some turnaround, growth has been slow. Nevertheless, 2018 appears poised to continue the growth trend, which means that energy companies will need to streamline their hiring practices and create a strong staffing strategy that helps them acquire the people they need at the right times. Working with an experienced recruiter can make both tasks easier.
Technological innovation continues to lead the way.
A focus on automation, robotics, smart technologies and big data means energy companies will need to keep innovating in technological areas. To do so, companies will need engineers with the technical skills and creative outlook to learn emerging technologies and develop new ones. Incorporating needed skills into a staffing plan can help hiring managers target the right capabilities, as can coordinating with a recruiting partner with a deep knowledge of the skills that available talent offers.
Looking forward will mean focusing on recruitment.
Although recent college graduates and career-changing professionals have been entering the energy field, 2016’s layoffs and 2017’s slower-than-anticipated growth may cause young workers to shy away from oil and gas as a career – even as senior leadership are eyeing retirement. To prevent a potential “brain drain” and ensure that companies have the talent they’ll need to rise through the ranks and take over major leadership positions, organizations in the energy industry will need to focus on building strong internal cultures that encourage employee growth and retention. Your recruiter can help your company identify its cultural strengths and build on these to attract and keep top talent.
At FootBridge Energy Services, our recruiters specialize in connecting our energy industry clients with some of the most qualified talent available. Contact us today to learn more about our energy recruitment services.