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but it also offers a cost-effective way of accelerating the country’ s decarbonization efforts. But this transformation can’ t happen without the people and talent to make it a reality.
Similarly, there is work to be done to help modernize our current system. New technologies have created the potential for digitization across the network, allowing for remote monitoring to take place to help drive efficiencies and ensure robust safety protocols are in place.
All of this will require the traditional skilled engineers that the industry has always relied on, alongside new expertise in areas like cyber systems, data analytics and AI. While upskilling existing employees has a role to play, none of this will be possible if the sector continues to fail to attract new talent from the next generation.
Engaging young people
The gas sector needs to start proactively engaging young people by providing clear and appealing pathways into the industry.
One route is through apprenticeships. At Bilfinger our own schemes cover a range of areas including mechanical design, process engineering and data analytics to help people find their areas of expertise and then develop extensive skillsets within them. Investing more into these types of programs can go a long way in bringing more young people into the industry.
Beyond this, it’ s up to contractors, manufacturers and everyone within the sector to actively go out there and educate young people about the opportunities in gas, whether that’ s through school outreach programs and career fairs, or fostering partnerships with colleges and universities.
Creating accessible opportunities- and ensuring young people are aware of them- is essential if we are to close the talent gap and future-proof the industry.
Changing the narrative
The sector will also need to evolve if it is to meet this challenge. There needs to be a cultural shift in how the gas sector talks about itself so it can challenge perceptions and demonstrate it doesn’ t have to be part of the climate problem; it can instead be a critical part of the climate solution.
Young professionals care about the impact and purpose of the work they’ re doing. Offering them the chance to contribute to
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