Engineers Australia Charts Course for Net Zero Energy Workforce

Engineers Australia, in collaboration with Mott MacDonald, has released pivotal findings from a recent study illuminating the potential for seamless transition of jobs and skills from thermal energy industries to renewables.

The research indicates that some professionals and communities are already embracing this shift, and with increased support and streamlined coordination, achieving a net zero workforce in the energy sector is attainable.

Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew AO expressed optimism about these initial insights, highlighting that skilled engineers are already applying their extensive experience to roles within clean energy fields such as renewables.

The legacy of the coal, oil, and gas sectors has equipped professionals to contribute to net zero industries, either by transitioning to new roles in clean energy or by utilizing their skills to improve sustainability practices in their existing roles.

The research reveals that employers value mindset and capabilities over specific disciplinary experience, suggesting that skills are transferable to the clean energy sector.

Engineers transitioning from thermal to renewable energy roles can utilize existing skills while broadening their capabilities in areas like stakeholder management, community engagement, and negotiation.

Developing the clean energy industry in communities with established thermal energy workforces can mitigate significant displacement and promote retention. Engineers are more likely to remain in the profession if they can find employment locally, while remote work and automation offer opportunities for flexible job locations.

With international recruitment becoming less feasible due to growing global demand, re-engaging qualified engineers not currently employed is crucial. This includes women, older Australians, and migrant engineers already residing in Australia.

Promoting the environmental advantages 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, clarify industry-specific terminology and standards, and boost confidence and competence.

Governments can play a pivotal role by clearly 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 government levels, and implement systemic changes that foster skill transferability and workforce expansion.

Madew emphasized the opportunity for political and industry leaders to develop and promote policies that ensure skills are being transferred where investment is already taking place.

She stressed the importance of enhancing 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 offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a net zero workforce in the energy sector, providing a roadmap for policymakers, industry leaders, and educational institutions to facilitate this critical transformation.

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