Delegates at the World Petroleum Congress believe the oil and gas industry is not doing enough to encourage future generations to join the sector, according to research from GL Noble Denton.
Oil and gas industry professionals believe that the sector needs to work harder to encourage future generations to choose a career in energy, according to a poll conducted yesterday at the World Petroleum Congress in Doha. 57% of participants said companies need to make greater efforts to demonstrate the benefits of a career in the oil and gas industry to young people, while 43% disagreed, believing that companies are now making a more conscious attempt to tackle an impending skills shortage.
The Industry Snapshot Poll was conducted by global independent technical advisor GL Noble Denton during the second day of the World Petroleum Congress, which is expected to have attracted more than 12,000 industry professionals from across the world. The poll was also completed online by senior professionals from across the industry.
Pekka Paasivaara, Member of the GL Executive Board, said: “A recent increase in oil and gas industry investment and activity has caused the sector to focus on addressing the industry’s diminishing number of skilled professionals and ageing workforce.
“There is a perception that younger generations have been lured away from a career in oil and gas by the finance sector over the past 20 years. The results of this poll show that the industry needs to review what it is doing to ensure that it attracts graduates equipped with the necessary skills to cope with the increasing challenges facing the sector.”
GL Noble Denton is conducting three Industry Snapshot Polls this week, one for each full day of World Petroleum Congress. Delegates are also being asked to give their views on the long-term potential of unconventional gas as a solution to the world’s requirements, and whether they believe the industry has the capability to support energy demand in 10 years time. To participate in the poll, visit GL Noble Denton at stand number 9216. Participants will be entered into a prize draw to win an iPad 2 at the end of the show.
The results of the polls will be updated daily at: www.gl-nobledenton.com.