How the Offshore Wind Sector Can Benefit from Transferable Skills in Oil and Gas
As the world moves towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, the offshore energy industry is undergoing a significant transformation with many professionals in the oil and gas sector looking to pivot their careers toward a greener industry. With overlapping skill sets, robust industry knowledge, and hands-on experience in challenging offshore environments, this transition presents an exciting opportunity for both candidates and employers. In this article, we’ll explore the transferable skills, delve into the job roles best suited for a switch, and provide actionable tips for making the leap into offshore wind.
Why Move to the Offshore Wind Sector?
The global energy landscape is undergoing a transformation, and offshore wind is emerging as a leader in this shift. For professionals in the oil and gas sector, transitioning to offshore wind presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future. This sector plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change, offering a chance to apply existing expertise to projects that make a tangible difference for the planet.
Rapid Growth and Opportunity
Furthermore, it is also a rapidly growing industry, with governments and private enterprises heavily investing in renewable energy projects worldwide. Ambitious targets, such as those outlined in the EU Green Deal, signal long-term stability and growth, making it an attractive option for professionals seeking a secure future.
Financial Stability
Financially, the sector offers competitive compensation, especially for skilled workers with experience. Contractors in particular benefit from high demand and lucrative packages as the industry grows. Moreover, the sector can provide a more balanced lifestyle for some professionals, with more predictable schedules compared to the cyclic nature of oil and gas roles.
Exciting Challenges Abroad
Beyond stability, the field offers fresh challenges, from developing cutting-edge technologies like floating wind turbines to scaling wind farms. These innovations provide opportunities for professionals to expand their skill sets while staying at the forefront of energy advancements. Additionally, as a global industry- with projects spanning Europe, Asia, and North America, there’s a wealth of opportunities for professionals interested in working abroad or exploring new markets, further enhancing its appeal for those looking to pivot their careers.
Which Skills Are Transferable to the Offshore Wind Industry?
The oil and gas sector has long been a cornerstone of offshore energy, demanding high levels of technical expertise, resilience, and adaptability. Many of the skills learned in this field are directly applicable to offshore wind, making it a natural transition for experienced professionals.
Technical Expertise
Professionals in oil and gas are familiar with the complexities of offshore operations, from rigging and crane operations to equipment maintenance. These skills are essential in offshore wind, particularly during the installation and maintenance of turbines.
Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Knowledge
HSE standards are critical in both sectors, requiring strict adherence to protocols to ensure safety and compliance. Professionals with a strong grasp of HSE regulations are highly valued.
Project Management
Managing timelines, budgets, and resources is a universal challenge in energy projects. Oil and gas project managers bring expertise in coordinating large-scale operations.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability
Working in harsh offshore environments requires quick thinking and adaptability. These qualities are essential for troubleshooting issues, whether during construction or maintenance phases.
What Opportunities Are Available?
The rapid expansion of the offshore wind sector has opened up a variety of opportunities, many of which align closely with the expertise developed in oil and gas. This growing demand spans multiple disciplines, offering clear pathways for professionals to transition their careers into renewable energy.
Offshore Installation Managers
One prominent role is that of Offshore Installation Managers, who oversee the assembly and installation of wind turbines. Their leadership is crucial during the construction phase, ensuring that operations run smoothly, safely, and on schedule. Professionals with experience managing offshore platforms or rigs in oil and gas are ideally positioned for this responsibility.
Offshore Engineers and Technicians
Similarly, engineers are in high demand. Structural, electrical, and mechanical engineering skills are essential for designing, maintaining, and optimising offshore wind projects. Engineers familiar with subsea systems, power generation, or platform integrity can bring their expertise directly into this field, where their knowledge of offshore environments is highly valued. For those skilled in hands-on maintenance and troubleshooting, roles as technicians are a natural fit. Wind turbines require regular servicing to maintain peak performance, and technicians from oil and gas are already adept at working in challenging offshore conditions to keep equipment running smoothly.
Advisors and Analysts
In both oil and gas and offshore wind, safety is paramount, making HSE Advisors indispensable. These professionals develop and enforce safety protocols, conduct risk assessments, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The safety-first mindset and regulatory expertise cultivated in oil and gas transfer seamlessly to the wind industry.
Project Managers, Logistics, and Administration
Finally, project managers are essential for orchestrating the complex logistics of offshore wind farms. From initial planning to final commissioning, project managers with a background in coordinating large-scale oil and gas operations bring valuable experience to renewable energy projects, ensuring their timely and cost-effective delivery.
How to Transition to Offshore Wind from Oil and Gas
Transitioning into offshore wind can feel daunting, but with the right approach, it’s an achievable and rewarding move. First, take stock of your experience and highlight skills that align with offshore wind requirements. Technical expertise, HSE knowledge, and project management experience are excellent starting points. If needed, consider gaining sector-specific certifications or training. While many skills are transferable, gaining offshore wind certifications can boost your employability. For example, the GWO (Global Wind Organisation) certification is a widely recognised qualification in the industry.
Then look for roles that match your skills and experience. Recruitment specialists, like UTM Consultants, can help bridge the gap by connecting you with contractors seeking skilled professionals for contract-based roles.
Lastly, remember to stay up to date on industry trends and innovations to remain competitive, engage with industry professionals and attend sector-specific events or seminars. Platforms like LinkedIn can also connect you with recruiters and companies actively hiring.
Find out more about securing a role in offshore wind with our guide to attracting job offers >
Find Your Role in Offshore Energy with UTM Consultants
The shift from oil and gas to offshore wind is more than just a career change—it’s an opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable future. By leveraging your transferable skills, exploring relevant job opportunities, and taking proactive steps to prepare for the transition, you can position yourself for success in this dynamic and growing sector.
At UTM Consultants, we specialise in connecting skilled professionals with contractors in offshore energy. Whether you’re a candidate looking for your next opportunity or a company seeking top talent, we’re here to help. Get in touch today to explore how we can support your journey into offshore wind.
Explore five developing offshore wind markets you should keep an eye on >
Learn about advancements in offshore technology and what lies ahead >