Why Following Oil and Gas Trends will Shape your Future Role in the Industry.
From using traditional exploration methods to implementing seismic advancement and reservoir simulations, the oil and gas landscape is constantly evolving. That’s why it’s so important to keep abreast of what is happening in the world of oil and gas to ensure your own skills align with the technological and cultural changes the industry goes through. Not only that, but as technology advances, new roles will be created, while certain current roles will be more in demand to make sure the oil and gas sector stays up to date with technology. Here are some current trends in the oil and gas and energy sector, along with the roles that are currently and will increase in demand:
Current Trends
1. The Energy Transition:
The shift towards renewable energy sources (solar, wind, and hydrogen etc.,) is continuing to accelerate all the time as companies adapt in the move towards using cleaner energy sources that reduces the impact of GHG and climate change.
Key roles:
Renewable Energy Engineers: With the shift towards renewable sources, roles focused on solar, wind, and battery storage technologies, for example, will expand as more renewable energy project emerge.
Operations Technicians: Skilled technicians for both traditional hydrocarbons and renewable energy facilities are essential for day-to-day operations.
Project Managers: Skilled project managers are essential for overseeing complex energy projects, especially those involving renewable energy initiatives.
The adoption of digital technologies, including AI, IoT, automation, and analytics, is enhancing the efficiency in exploration, production, and supply chain management, and will help to reshape the fossil fuel future during the energy transition. By embracing technological innovation, operators can remove data silos and streamline their operations across the whole lifecycle from exploration to the pump. This calls for a variety of technology professionals in AI, machine learning, business intelligence, data analysis, and software development.
Key roles:
Data Scientists: As companies leverage data for decision-making, there's a rising demand for professionals who can analyse and interpret data.
AI and Machine Learning Engineers: A combination of engineer and data scientist, they leverage data tools and programming frameworks to create data science models that can handle terabytes of real-time data to predict and prescribe actions based on data outputs.
Other roles: Software Engineer, Software Architect, Data Analyst, Robotics Engineer, Product Manager
3. Decarbonization Efforts:
Following on from the energy transition, companies are focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, leading to investments in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. This places a strong emphasis on creating more sustainable operations now and in the future to meet tight new-zero targets, and will be led by experts in decarbonisation strategies and implementation.
Key roles:
Environmental Engineers and Scientists: Experts who can help navigate environmental regulations and implement sustainable practices are increasingly sought after.
Hydrogen Specialists: As hydrogen becomes a key player in the energy transition, roles related to its production, storage, and distribution are on the rise.
Decarbonisation/Sustainability Manager: Primary roles will be consulting with clients on decarbonisation and climate change capabilities, while collaborating with partners, senior managers and clients to influence strategy, balance risk and client expectations.
Other Roles: Carbon Fuels Analyst, Decarbonisation Consultant, Energy Analyst, Environmental Scientist, Carbon Specialist
4. Increased Regulation:
Due to the environmental impact oil and gas activities have had over time, such as spills and leaks, and the effects on the environment, stricter environmental regulations are forcing operators to meet tougher guidelines in order to operate safely and reliably or risk severe penalties. This is driving the need for compliance specialists and environmental scientists.
Key roles:
Regulatory Compliance Officers: Professionals who understand and can navigate evolving regulations are crucial in maintaining compliance, as well as obtaining the necessary permissions and permits to work within the operating region and for the workforce.
Environmental Engineers and Scientists: Experts who can help direct environmental regulations and implement sustainable practices are increasingly sought after.
Other Roles: Energy Analyst, Sustainability Manager, Permitting Officer, Quality Specialist, Regulatory Officer
5. Focus on Cybersecurity:
As a byproduct of the digital transformation and the increase in data, the industry is reliant on critical infrastructure and interconnected systems, so protecting these assets and their information from cyber threats has become a priority. Cybersecurity specialists will be part of the frontline of defense against these events to prevent attacks from occurring and ensure the uninterrupted flow of operations.
Key roles:
Cybersecurity Specialists: With the rise in digital threats, there's a need for professionals who can protect critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks, specialising in data loss prevention, incident response, and network security.
Other roles: Cyber Security Engineer, Security Consultant, Operational Technology Security Consultant, HR Manager, IT Manager, IT Technician
6. Resilience and Adaptability:
The oil and gas industry has always been prone to up and down-turns, caused by factors such as market recessions, demand, pricing, and most recently global pandemics. Therefore, companies are re-evaluating their strategies as they need to be more resilient against market fluctuations and geopolitical risks. Risk mitigation and strategic planners will be required to make companies more resilient across an unpredictable future.
Key Roles:
Supply Chain Managers: As companies focus on efficiency, there’s a growing demand for supply chain experts who can optimize operations and ensure continuous production and supply whatever the market conditions.
Energy Economists: Professionals who can analyse market trends and economic impacts related to energy policy and pricing are increasingly important.
Cybersecurity Specialists: With the rise in digital threats, there's a need for professionals who can protect critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks, specialising in data loss prevention, incident response, and network security.
Other Roles: Cyber Security Analyst, Operations Manager, Strategic Manager/Analyst
7. Health and Safety:
The health and safety of its workforce has always been the number one priority in the oil and gas and energy industry, and this won’t change any time soon. With the use of digital technology, such as drone inspections reducing human risk, and remote monitoring capabilities now providing 24/7 feeds, these solutions are the tip of the iceberg to help transform HSE and mitigate risk. HSE roles are still in high demand to protect the workforce, the environment, and meet compliance regulations.
Key Roles:
HSE Manager/Director: HSE Managers or Directors oversee the overall HSE strategy within an organization. They develop policies, manage HSE teams, and ensure that HSE practices align with the company's goals and regulatory requirements.
HSE Engineer: The main role of an HSE Engineer is to make sure that oil and gas operations are conducted in compliance with safety regulations and standards while minimizing environmental impacts.
These trends and roles highlight the evolving landscape of the oil and energy sector, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainability, technology, and regulatory compliance. Candidates with relevant skills and adaptability will be well-positioned for opportunities in this dynamic environment.
If you are thinking of taking your career to the next stage within the oil and gas industry, then Orion Group can help you fulfil that goal.
Orion Group specialise in connecting talented individuals like you with leading companies that value your specific expertise. By registering your CV with us, you’ll gain access to a wide range of oil and gas recruitment jobs, ensuring that your skills and experience are matched with the right role.
