The oil and gas industry was hit with an enormous shock in 2020. In the middle of a global health crisis, demand for diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel fell to new lows. To keep afloat, oil businesses across the country have closed wells, declared bankruptcy, laid off thousands of workers, or merged with other companies. CNN claimed in October that 107,000 oil and gas jobs had been lost and were unlikely to be replaced. So, what does this mean for those who have worked in this profession for a long time?
Jobs in renewable energy are growing at a rapid pace
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Why? Free to subscribe, no paywall, daily business news digest.
Although the pandemic has had an impact on renewable energy, it has fared better than oil and gas and is anticipated to recover by 2021. With the inauguration of a new presidential administration, renewable energy is expected to be the energy industry with the fastest job growth.
The industry-leading data indicates that the greatest opportunities will come from the wind and solar sectors.
The absence of competent field technicians and experienced engineers in areas like performance engineering, according to renewable energy businesses, is a major hurdle to fulfilling growth ambitions. The good news for oil and gas workers is that you probably already have these in-demand abilities, as well as a slew of others, that can help you move to a renewable energy career.
Where to transition
Professionals who have worked in project management, engineering, construction, finance, or operations in the oil and gas industry are most likely to have the abilities required to work in solar or wind energy.
If you’re serious about making the switch to renewable energy, look for ways to strengthen your transferrable skills or learn new ones. The Association of Energy Engineers offers over 20 distinct certificates, including the Renewable Energy Professional certification and the Certified Energy Manager certification, which can help you advance in your career.
How should I begin my job hunt?
Consider the part of the renewable energy industry you are most interested in before you begin your job hunt. Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and bioenergy are all examples of clean energy sources used in the renewable energy business. Investigate the various roles in each and compare them to your previous work experience.
To learn more about the employment available in your area, we recommend contacting an energy recruitment agency to help you.
You should also update your résumé. We recommend stressing and clarifying the areas of your employment that are transferable when discussing your work experience and job duties and responsibilities. Instead of mentioning details that are only applicable to an oil company, concentrate on your project management skills, particularly if you were involved in planning, purchasing, or HSE.
Get a helping hand Finally, you ought to contact an energy recruitment agency that supports oil and gas professionals in making the move to the renewable energy sector. They will be able to help you position your CV in a way that reads favourably to the renewable sector you want to reach, highlighting the important transferrable skills that make you the perfect candidate for the role.
