Travel Restrictions Continue to Impact Energy Recruitment

According to recent calculations, around 18 million people currently work in the global energy sector, which is predicted to increase to 26 million by 2050 due to increased activity in the field of renewables.

Despite the rising demand for workers, the sector faces ongoing and extensive skills shortages across multiple areas and specialisms. While government and educational initiatives targeting young people will hopefully inject much-needed talent down the line, organisations in need of skills right now have been forced to think outside of the box.

We’re seeing an increasing number of employers take action by fast-tracking learning and development plans, recruiting professionals from outside of the sector, developing robust D&I policies and employer brands to appeal to a fresh talent pool and sourcing skilled labour from overseas.

For many years, the energy sector has relied upon talent mobility and migration to ensure the right professionals are sourced at the right time. However, Covid-19 has complicated the procedures for applying for and obtaining work permits due to travel restrictions. 

As the pandemic enters its third year, some countries with high vaccination rates are beginning to ease restrictions on travel, while others are closing borders in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. Roles that can be carried out remotely have not been affected; in fact, some employers are reaping the rewards of home working, which has opened up the door to international talent for the first time. 

However, with energy project delivery demanding feet on the ground, organisations face ongoing uncertainty recruiting for upcoming and ongoing projects, as people either cannot travel or are reluctant to in case rules are changed, which prevent them from returning home easily.

For example, pre-pandemic Australia took advantage of UK skills for certain energy projects, but this has become increasingly complicated due to the strict travel rules. Up until 15 December 2021, only Australian citizens, permanent residents and immediate family members of citizens and residents could enter the country. Although fully vaccinated travellers with eligible visas can now enter, rules on inter-state movement remain a key issue hindering international recruitment.

With energy projects demanding completion, particularly those in the renewable space as countries seek to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, employers have no choice but to ‘shop local’ for talent - a significant challenge for those previously reliant on international recruitment. 

Help is at hand 

PRS Energy helps organisations secure local talent for a range of energy projects. With an extensive global database of skilled candidates across a broad range of skill and experience levels, our team can find the people you need without the complexities and delays of visa processing and relocation.