THE SKILLS GAP IN RENEWABLE ENERGY

I like many others believe that renewables has a lot to offer future generations in terms of resources and careers.

However, we have a skills gap now which "hats off" to a lot of people, organisations and companies they are trying to address.

Lets look at the lye of the land. #renewableenergy has taken off in the last 20 years with the construction of projects and technologies producing a workforce requirement that cannot be filled right now.

This is not new at all because when I joined the #windindustry 10 years ago there were seasoned veterans of wind who maintain this has been the case for many a year. So in wind for instance were no further forward according to some conversations I've had.

From previous comments I've been given by people in #renewables that have to hire staff have said "What the industry lacks is career progression, it is all very well the OEM's insisting on the GWO stuff in wind for instance but how do they ensure the training is practiced? and people move on up the ladder"

It's a very good point and unless you're a company that's prepared to invest in career progression the skills gap will forever be there and possibly to the detriment of your organisation / shareholders.

Now governments, international and national organisations in wind, solar, hydrogen etc are compiling reports on what the future holds in terms of workforce requirements and how to address these issues which is good for the future of renewables.

How can we make attempts to fill those skills gaps now though.

Lets look at the individual role requirements for our companies and look at the basics of the role.

Break it down, does it require basic knowledge of electronics, mechanicals, hydraulics, composites, procurement, administration, geology, analytics, contracts, computing and many more.

Now with any of these skills in mind you can draw people from loads of differing sectors that have nothing to do with renewables. Broaden your horizons and cast your net far and wide.

Basic skills of any role can be built on and if you do that for your company you will have someone that's appreciative you've put the time and effort into them. In turn that builds a good relationship for you and your employee.

Ultimately they do great for your company as you have an employee that's productively designed for your company by you making them part of a winning team.

We also have to remember there are more and more colleges, universities, and training institutions that are working with global companies funnelling through many people that have some basics skills and are gaining a qualification to enter renewables.

But do we need qualifications or practical experience as the winner instead to bridge the skills gap right now?

Lets talk pay and remuneration also. We have to make renewable energy an attractive industry using the pay, benefits and work life balance for now and the future. Along with that different countries then are dealing with unions etc is this red tape or beneficial.

Talking of red tape. Do we need to look at SLA's in O&M, is there commitments there that require too many people? Do companies need to look at the O&M side of the business as a focus rather than the attitude of lets build more and more. Considering 60% or more of renewables as a whole business is O&M.

What about the self employed also? There are many people trying to get into these renewables industries coming from oil and gas or the armed forces being told that renewables are the future of work for them as they have great cross over skills. They are finding it increasingly hard to get in as they are classed a newbies and companies only want to employ contractors who have experience.

That's a workforce of over 2 million globally in O&G right there and were not making the most of it.

I've mentioned basic skills that would have relevance in renewables but probably the biggest thing we need is people with common sense.

That is more prevalent in GenX than in Millennials due to the fact that most GenX people grew up with family, work colleagues and older generations in work showing them hands on, on the job training. You had to be flexible and ready to try anything to improve yourself. Teaching someone hands on they will retain 90% of what they're shown.

That's an apprenticeship. Life lessons or whatever you want to call it. Its part of the learning pyramid. Lets take that and combine it into renewables.

People learn more if you take that basic skill and build on it.

Don't get me wrong, there are new technologies that the younger generations may take too quicker than the older generation but the majority of O&M in renewables requires hands on people that have common sense and have the ability to show, teach, guide the younger generation.

Whatever organisation or company you work for, building relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, discussing this skills gap issue in renewables, sharing the good and bad of trying to deal with the skills gap will close it quicker as were all learning.

More emphasis on closing the gap now will build the foundation for the future generations to have a better industry.

I've raised many questions above that people often discuss with me on this issue.

I go back to praising people, companies and organisations who are trying to sort this out as its not easy at all. I for one do not want to see this same situation, discussion in another 10 years. I will nail my colours to the mast now and say I dont think this will be an issue in 10 years and the skills gap can be closed.

I look forward to your comments as always.

#windenergy #solarenergy #hydrogen #renewables #biomass #hydro #tidal