API Touts Labor Crunch

The chief economist for the American Petroleum Institute said the energy industry is facing critical labor shortages and must reach out to new workers. John Felmy made the remarks while in New Orleans for a series of API meetings recently. Felmy said half of the industry’s aging workforce could retire within a decade and skilled employees are needed to fill jobs ranging from rig workers to scientists. However, the highest demand lies in engineers. As a result, the API is conducting a nationwide tour of engineering and technology schools in an attempt to generate interest in energy industry careers.