THE GLOBAL WORKFORCE—ACCESSING AND RETAINING SKILLED WORKERS FOR THE UPSTREAM PETROLEUM INDUSTRY

Abstract

The composition of the global workforce in the upstream oil and gas industry has been affected by a number of converging trends, generated by a combination of demographic, economic and industry factors. While governments and peak industry groups are developing initiatives for young people to train for the industry, human resources and line managers need to adapt company processes to these demographic changes in the short to medium term, not only to ensure adequate supply and continuity of talent, but also to meet corporate targets in exploration and production. This paper outlines these changes, their effects on petroleum companies and strategies employed to adapt to change.