In the race to achieve net zero emissions and tackle climate change, the energy sector is undergoing a radical transformation. Traditional roles, such as natural gas extraction and oil drilling, are evolving or becoming less relevant, while new opportunities in renewable energy and sustainability are flourishing.
The journey towards a greener future is not just about industry transformation, but also about personal growth and skills development. Understanding this shift and the opportunities it presents for upskilling and retraining can help energy professionals transition into these exciting new roles.
The transition isn’t always direct, and it often requires training and education, but many workers from the traditional energy sector can successfully make the move into the green energy sector.
It’s essential to remember that technological and industry shifts often lead to the evolution of roles more than their outright replacement. People with experience in traditional energy roles can bring valuable skills to emerging energy sectors.
The transferable skills from the traditional sector to the green energy sector include project management, technical knowledge, physical labour, safety protocols, and logistical operations.
Below, we explore some of the transitions and how workers in traditional energy roles can prepare for their green careers.
From a diesel mechanic to wind turbine technician
Diesel mechanics have extensive practical experience with mechanical systems, fault diagnosis, and routine maintenance, which are all relevant in the work of a wind turbine technician. Additionally, they’re familiar with safety procedures, which are crucial in the wind energy sector. Despite having a strong mechanical background, transitioning to the wind energy sector will require specific training in wind turbine technology. Many vocational schools, community colleges, and universities offer technical programs in wind energy technology that cover turbine systems, electrical basics, hydraulics, and safety practices. Earning an industry-recognized certification such as the BZEE or GWO certification might be necessary or advantageous. Additional on-the-job training will also be necessary.
From petroleum geologist to geothermal energy engineer
Petroleum geologists, with their expertise in exploration technologies and data interpretation, can transition to roles as geothermal energy engineers. This would require further education or training in geothermal energy extraction, including the specific geological requirements and technologies involved. A professional certification in geothermal energy production and safety protocols could also be beneficial.
From oil rig worker to solar panel installer
An oil rig worker has a strong understanding of technical systems and safety procedures, which are also fundamental in installing solar panels. Upskilling can be achieved through technical training programs focused on solar energy, including learning about photovoltaic systems, electrical systems, and safety procedures.
From gas station attendant to hydroelectric plant technician
A gas station attendant’s experience in handling machinery and understanding safety protocols can be valuable in a hydroelectric plant. This transition would require substantial education in mechanical and electrical systems, possibly at a trade school or community college. Understanding of the hydroelectric power process would also be necessary.
From oil/gas refinery operator to eclectic vehicle mechanic
A refinery operator has solid experience with complex mechanical systems. This background, combined with vocational training in electric vehicle technology, could lead to a career as an electric vehicle mechanic.
From traditional power plant operator to renewable energy salesperson
A power plant operator has a deep understanding of energy systems and processes. With communication and customer service skills training, they can transition into a renewable energy salesperson role, where technical knowledge can be a significant asset. Knowledge about renewable energy products and systems, possibly obtained through short courses or workshops, would also be important.
From fossil fuel drill operator to sustainable energy consultant
Drill operators possess an in-depth understanding of energy extraction, which can be beneficial in a consultancy role. To transition into a sustainable energy consultant, operators should consider further education or training in environmental science, renewable energy technologies, and the energy market. Soft skills such as communication and problem-solving would also be crucial.
From pipeline installer / repairer to energy efficiency analyst
A pipeline installer’s skills in understanding complex systems are transferable to an energy efficiency analyst role. However, this transition would require a significant amount of training or education in energy use patterns, building systems, and energy efficiency measures, as well as strong analytical skills.
From gas pipeline technician to bioenergy production worker
Gas pipeline technicians, with their skills in managing complex machinery and troubleshooting, can transition into bioenergy production roles. To do this, they would need to acquire knowledge about biological and chemical processes used in bioenergy production, possibly through formal education or targeted training programs. These would typically cover biomass sources and energy conversion processes.
From oil field driller to wind farm site manager
Oil field drillers have experience with machinery, safety protocols, and site management, making a transition to a wind farm site manager plausible. Understanding wind energy technology and gaining managerial experience are necessary steps towards this transition, possibly through formal education or experience in a lower-level role within a wind farm.
From diesel engine specialist to solar photovoltaic (PV) designer
Diesel engine specialists have a strong foundation in mechanical and electrical systems. With training in photovoltaic systems, design, and electrical engineering, likely requiring formal education in a relevant field, they could transition into roles as solar PV designers.
From gas metre reader to energy storage specialist
Gas metre readers can leverage their technical knowledge and familiarity with energy systems. To transition to an energy storage specialist role, they will need in-depth training or education in energy storage technologies, likely through technical education programs or on-the-job training.
From oil tanker loader to hydrogen fuel cell technician
The mechanical skills of an oil tanker loader can be valuable in the role of a hydrogen fuel cell technician. Technical education in hydrogen fuel cell technology would be a prerequisite for this transition, possibly obtained through a trade school or apprenticeship program.
From petroleum pump system operator to green infrastructure planner
Operators familiar with managing complex systems and logistics could retrain as green infrastructure planners. This would require formal education in environmental planning or civil engineering and experience in urban planning or construction.
From fossil fuel supply manager to sustainable transport planner
Supply managers, with their strong logistics and planning background, could transition to sustainable transport planners. They would benefit from further education in urban planning, environmental science, or another related field, focusing on sustainable transport systems. Experience in logistics or transportation could also be applicable.
From oil refinery decommissioning specialist to renewable energy policy analyst
Oil refinery decommissioning specialists, leveraging their deep knowledge of the energy sector and regulatory compliance, could transition to roles as renewable energy policy analysts. This shift would likely necessitate further education in public policy, environmental science, or a related field, as well as a thorough understanding of legislative processes and the specifics of renewable energy policies. Their existing industry insight could provide a valuable foundation for this new role.
From gas furnace installer to energy auditor
Gas furnace installers are familiar with building systems and could apply this knowledge as energy auditors. This transition would require education about building systems, energy use, and energy efficiency measures, possibly through a certification program or on-the-job training.
From traditional internal combustion engine mechanic to grid modernisation specialist
Mechanics with a deep understanding of combustion engines could transfer their technical expertise to become grid modernisation specialists. They would need advanced technical training in modern grid technologies and electrical systems, possibly through a trade school or engineering degree.
From fossil fuel transportation specialist to clean energy project manager
Transportation specialists have experience in managing logistics and can apply this skill as project managers in the clean energy sector. Additional education in project management and renewable energy could smooth this transition.
From natural gas salesperson to geothermal plant operator
Natural gas salespeople possess a deep understanding of the energy market, client needs and energy sourcing. This business and energy knowledge could be leveraged in a role as a geothermal plant operator, given the right technical training. They would need to learn the specifics of geothermal technology and power plant operations, potentially through a vocational programme or on-the-job training. Their existing skills, coupled with targeted learning, could enable a successful transition to the renewable energy sector.
From oil and gas geologist to biomass plant technician
Oil and gas geologists, with their understanding of geological and chemical processes, could consider roles as biomass plant technicians. They would need a basic understanding of biological processes and relevant mechanical skills, which could be obtained through relevant education or training programs.
Each transition would also benefit from soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. Furthermore, everyone’s path may vary depending on their existing skills, opportunities, and personal interests.
Final thoughts
Remember, these pathways may vary based on individual circumstances, including their skills, opportunities, and interests, and therefore should be seen as potential routes rather than fixed directions. However, if traditional energy sector employees are ready to adapt and embrace new technologies and practices, they underscore the potential to transition into the growing green energy sector.
Investing in education and skills training is a strategic step to ensure a smooth transition. As a recruitment agency that works with many leading energy companies, we understand the changing landscape and are here to support both companies and individuals during this transition.
The energy sector’s future is green. By upskilling and retraining, we can all contribute to a sustainable future and make the most of the exciting career opportunities in the renewable energy sector. To explore how we can help, fill out our contact form below and someone one of our energy experts get back to you.