Engineers Australia has unveiled key findings from a recent study conducted in partnership with Mott MacDonald, highlighting the potential for successful transition of energy jobs and skills from thermal industries to renewables.
The research indicates that some professionals and communities are already adapting to this transformation, and with additional support and improved coordination, achieving a net zero workforce in the energy sector is within reach.
Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew AO expressed optimism about these early insights, noting that skilled engineers are already leveraging their extensive experience in roles within clean energy fields such as renewables.
The legacy of the coal, oil, and gas sectors has enabled professionals to contribute to net zero industries, either by transitioning to new roles in the clean energy sector or by applying their skills to enhance sustainable practices in their current industry.
The research reveals that employers prioritise mindset and capabilities over specific disciplinary experience, suggesting that skill transferability to the clean energy sector is feasible.
Engineers transitioning from thermal to renewable energy roles can leverage existing skills while expanding their capabilities in areas such as stakeholder management, community engagement, and negotiation.
Developing the clean energy industry in communities with existing thermal energy workforces can prevent significant dislocation and encourage retention.
Engineers are more likely to remain in the profession if they can find employment locally, while remote work and automation present opportunities for flexible job locations.
With recruiting from overseas becoming less viable due to increasing global demand, re-engaging qualified engineers not currently in the workforce is critical.
This includes women, older Australians, and migrant engineers already in Australia.
Promoting the environmental benefits of the clean energy industry and addressing salary disparities between thermal and renewable sectors can help attract and retain engineering talent.
The study recommends embedding sustainability into all university and vocational engineering courses, rather than offering separate degrees, to better prepare engineers for clean energy roles.
Micro-credentials can facilitate transitions between sectors and demystify industry-specific jargon and standards, boosting confidence and competence.
Governments can play a pivotal role by better defining occupational profiles and updating the classification of occupations to reflect emerging roles in the renewable sector.
Policy support is essential to drive innovation, align initiatives across governmental levels, and implement systemic changes that encourage skill transferability and workforce expansion.
Madew emphasised the opportunity for political and industry leaders to develop and promote policies that ensure skills are being transferred where investment is already occurring.
She stressed the importance of improving recruitment, retention, and re-engagement, stating, “Investing in people and showing them the opportunities to deploy their existing skills is key to keeping existing communities thriving.
“Better training pathways and micro-credentialing will also go a long way towards supporting these career transitions.”
This research provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a net zero workforce in the energy sector, offering a roadmap for policymakers, industry leaders, and educational institutions to support this crucial transformation.