OTC 2025: Offshore energy industry has opportunity to redefine how it develops, attracts and retains talent
By Alex Spencer, OPITO
As the offshore energy industry accelerates into a new era, driven by cleaner energy technologies and a global push for lower-carbon operations, the sector’s future has never been as bright. And it’s a future that is being built with innovation and skills.
With that progress comes a powerful opportunity to redefine how the industry develops, attracts and retains the talent that will lead this transformation. Offshore operations demand individuals who can adapt to complex, high-risk environments and who understand the nuances of operating safely and effectively across diverse regions.
The challenge is now to align skills with the evolving demands of a fast-moving, global industry in transition. However, this challenge provides an opportunity to rethink how we empower the offshore workforce, providing them with the skills and competence required to operate safely.
With that, there are two key considerations that the offshore energy industry can embrace to unlock its full potential and ensure its people are just as ready for the future as its technologies.
1. Embracing adaptable training standards
The energy industry, particularly those in offshore environments, are inherently safety critical, so the need for training that ensures a safe and skilled workforce cannot be overestimated.
Achieving this requires strong collaboration across the energy sector, with stakeholders working together to develop flexible standards that equip workforces with globally consistent, yet regionally relevant competencies.
This will enable workforces that are increasingly mobile and can meet safety standards from region to region—or from one energy sector to the next—enabling organizations to more easily fill roles or enable individuals with adjacent or transferable skills to step into other in-demand roles.
2. Workforce development collaboration and a long-term holistic view
Supporting workforce development in specialized fields requires a holistic approach that prioritizes the long-term health and attraction of the talent pipeline.
STEM remains one of today’s most dynamic and collaborative communities, with educational institutions, scientific bodies and industry stakeholders forming powerful partnerships that are raising awareness and visibility of STEM careers. Offshore organizations that engage with these partnerships can spark student interest in the sector by offering hands-on learning experiences and other initiatives that fuel early and sustainable career curiosity in the offshore sector.
As the offshore energy sector navigates rapid transformation, it can harness more opportunity if it collaborates and aligns around adaptable standards, harnesses technology to provide more insight and invests in the future talent pipeline. With the right focus, the sector can ensure a safe, agile, capable and globally connected workforce—one that is as consistent as it is regionally relevant.
