We surveyed 1,200 hiring managers and renewable energy professionals to forecast the hiring needs for offshore wind, onshore wind and solar PV up to 2020.
The increasing deployment of renewables brings new challenges. Because the field is relatively new and job creation is growing exponentially, it will be increasingly difficult for companies to find skilled talent to fill the hundreds of thousands of new renewable energy jobs each year.
The Skills Shortage Report shares insights for both sides of the table. Companies and hiring managers can understand the potential skills gaps they may face over the next 2-3 years and prepare accordingly. And renewables professionals can learn to gain an advantage by gaining the in-demand skills and hands-on know-how that will help accelerate your career…. highlighting the key role of professional networks for both companies that are recruiting and professionals in the jobs market.
For the full breakdown of data between contract vs permanent roles and level of seniority, sign up and download the report.A global professional network is especially important in the global job market. In Europe. for example, the UK and Germany have been instrumental in kickstarting wind energy and may provide a pipeline of experienced talent to areas like the US, Taiwan and Singapore.
We need joined-up solutions from industry, academia and government to meet the challenge:
- Industry needs to collaborate with academia to ensure graduates understand the work landscape and are equipped with specialised technical skills.
- Companies need to invest in internal training programmes to increase retention to overcome the deficit.
- Government is key to developing initiatives and policies to foster a culture that supports renewable energy growth.
In the global drive to tackle climate change, we’ve seen the LCOE for renewable energy breach a tipping point. Now, subsidy-free wind and solar can win against coal and gas on the balance sheet as well as carbon emissions.
The industry needs to meet the challenges of the skills shortage to make sure that deploying renewable installations is as sustainable as the wind and photons that provide the power.
