GETI 2024: Oil and gas cautiously optimistic about AI amid shifting workforce dynamics and expectations

• A quarter of oil and gas professionals use AI and nearly half feel very optimistic about AI’s future impact

• Over half expect AI to positively impact career progression and job satisfaction in the sector

• Two thirds expect AI to increase pressure to learn new skills with demand expected across programming, software engineering, IT, data science and cybersecurity

The eighth annual Global Energy Talent Index (GETI), the world’s most established and comprehensive energy workforce trends report highlights a cautious approach to AI adoption in the oil and gas industry, wide interest in AI skills development, and a slowing of salary growth.

According to the report, produced by Airswift, 24 per cent of oil and gas professionals already use AI – somewhat behind the industry average of 27 per cent. A further 10 per cent are expecting to adopt AI within six months. Nearly half (47 per cent) of professionals feel very optimistic about the future impact of AI, with many anticipating an uplift in their personal productivity (71 per cent), improved career progression opportunities (58 per cent) and increased job satisfaction (58 per cent). Over half (53 per cent) believe it will positively impact the amount of time spent with family and friends.

Nearly all respondents to the GETI 2024 report say AI will increase demand for skills, with two thirds (62 per cent) of oil and gas professionals expecting AI to increase pressure on them to acquire new skills. Technical skills such as programming, software engineering, IT, data science and cybersecurity are where professionals expect to see the greatest demand in the oil and gas sector. When exploring the relationship between potential skills development opportunities and perceived future demand, initial findings highlight IT, programming, software engineering, robotics and cyber security as areas the industry may need to proactively develop to shore up skills.

The report also found the need for soft skills like communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative thinking is expected to increase, highlighting the unique human capabilities that complement AI technologies.

Reflecting on the findings of the GETI 2024 report, Janette Marx, CEO of Airswift, said: "The oil and gas sector is at a critical juncture with AI emerging as a key tool to support decarbonisation efforts. Our report underscores the need for a delicate balance between technological advancement and nurturing the skills of our workforce. As we see a modest stabilisation in salaries and a high willingness for global mobility, the area to watch now is how companies embrace AI. We need to proactively enhance the capabilities of our people to make the most of an ever-evolving energy landscape. Boosting employee buy-in will involve harnessing automation to free up time for other priorities and upskilling workers in AI-related fields.”

Salaries and global mobility

The report indicates a flattening in salary growth, with 48 per cent of professionals reporting a pay rise this year, a modest increase compared to previous years. Sixty-nine per cent of professionals are optimistic of a pay rise next year, a sentiment that is shared by hiring managers.

With an international pipeline of new projects, 83 per cent would consider relocating, compared with 81 per cent in 2023. Asia enters the top three desirable destinations for relocation, behind Europe and the Middle East. The demand for oil and gas skills remains strong, both within and beyond the sector, with 81 per cent having been headhunted in the past year. However, there is a hesitancy to join other industries, with only 19 per cent considering such a move. 

The full report is available for download at http://www.getireport.com

About GETI 2024

GETI 2024 draws on the views of almost 12,000 energy professionals in 149 different countries. The 55-question survey was open for nine weeks and closed at the end of October 2023.

About Airswift

Airswift is an international workforce solutions provider for STEM professionals in the technology and engineering sectors. For over 40 years, Airswift has been transforming lives through the workforce solutions we provide, including talent acquisition, global employment and mobility, managed solutions, and consulting.

Today, we are an integrated team of 1,000 employees, 60 offices and over 9,000 contractors. Driven by three corporate hubs in Houston, Manchester, and Singapore, we have a truly global approach and a reach that is unparalleled.

We provide strategic support to our customers, resulting in trusted partnerships that are aligned and efficient. Our team of experts are ideally positioned to meet your needs, whether that is finding top talent, mobilising people around the world, implementing an agile workforce strategy or improving decision-making for workforce planning. For more information, please visit our website at www.airswift.com