At Corvacon 2023 in Houston, Energy Workforce President Tim Tarpley emphasized the significance of having an engaged and skilled workforce. He shared his insights during the “Impact of Automation & Technology with Emerging Talent Across Operations” panel, hosted by Corva, which delved into the energy sector’s digital frontier. The conference brought together thought leaders, pioneers and industry professionals who are shaping the future of energy, including a number of Energy Workforce Member Companies like Baker Hughes, Halliburton, Nabors, Newpark and NOV.
Accompanying Tarpley on the panel were Brett Schellenberg, Nabors; and Ryan Eisenbath, Halliburton; with the discussion moderated by Chris Schneider, Corva. Together, they discussed the role of technology and automation in fostering the development of new and emerging professionals within the energy services sector.
Tarpley drew attention to the pressing need for a more data-driven sector and identified four key gaps that demand attention:
- Aging Workforce: The energy industry is grappling with an aging and generally older workforce, creating a gap in generational representation.
- Digital Upskilling: Many current professionals lack the essential digital skills and competencies required in an increasingly tech-driven environment.
- Recruitment Challenges: Attracting younger generations to the energy sector faces hurdles, mainly due to messaging and competition with the tech industry.
- Knowledge Transfer: Ensuring a seamless transfer of knowledge between different generations within a highly technical industry is a significant challenge.
Given the existence of these gaps, there are opportunities for companies in the energy services sector to lead in the digital age. By embracing digitalization, they can attract a new generation of workers who are inherently tech-savvy. As the industry navigates energy expansion, it’s imperative that the sector fosters a culture of continuous learning and collaboration to bridge these generational divides to ensure innovation.
Energy Workforce plays a vital role in supporting the incoming workforce and those seeking additional skills and highlighting innovations within the sector. Energy Workforce hosts day and year-long workforce development programs to equip current and future leaders with the tools they need to drive the energy industry forward, enhance its reputation, and establish it as a driver of the global economy. The Energy Technology Committee is at the forefront of sharing the sector’s developments and deployments throughout the energy landscape, with a strong emphasis on how digitalization is accelerating these innovations.
If you would like to learn more about the workforce development programs, contact Vice President Programs & Events Peggy Helfert. For more information on the Energy Technology Committee, contact Senior Director Energy Policy Maria Suarez-Simmons.
Maria Suarez-Simmons, Senior Director Energy Policy, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
