The energy transition revolution: Job career guidance as a means to achieve it

The energy transition is not just a technological shift but also will demand a societal transformation. As we move from fossil fuels to renewable energy, this revolution is poised to reshape industries, economies, and daily life. With the energy sector now at the forefront, the role of career guidance becomes crucial in navigating this change. Discover how effective job guidance can empower individuals to embrace careers in sustainable energy and drive the global transition.

Reshaping society through energy transition

More than a technological shift, the energy transition today represents a societal transformation, opening the doors to a lifestyle revolution comparable only to the Industrial Revolution. Clean energy attracted a staggering USD 1.8 trillion in 2023 investments and represents 30% of the energy consumed globally. The journey from fossil fuels to renewable energy still has a long way to go, but since it changed from a question of ‘if” to a question of ‘when’, it became clear that this transition would have significant repercussions on our daily lives. This gives the energy sector a bigger spotlight due to the profound impact that even small changes can have on the economy and our lives, affecting fields as diverse as industry, transport, and the financial sector. These changes now have the power to overthrow or elect governments and directly impact the quality of life in our homes. 

Of the 163,300 TWh of energy consumed globally in 2023, we know that only 30% currently comes from clean energy. Yet, it is remarkable that clean energy managed to attract an impressive USD 1.8 trillion, accounting for 62% of the total annual investment in energy during 2023, compared to the USD 1.1 trillion invested in fossil fuels.

According to the International Energy Agency,  an analysis of historical energy investment trends clearly shows that investment in clean energy has grown significantly in recent years. The gap between clean energy and fossil fuels is expected to widen further, and we, as a society must keep pace with this evolution.

Young people are key players for a successful energy transition

In order to embrace this leap of faith, we must prepare for the transformative wave that lies ahead, which will deeply require professionals in the field of energy transition. IRENA predicts the creation of 40 million jobs in this sector by 2050 for a successful transition and we are sure that these roles will be filled almost entirely by today’s youth and the generations to follow.

However, this positive growth trajectory is not without its challenges, most notably the acute shortage of skilled labour within the sector. This raises some concerns, especially when attracting young talent remains such a huge challenge. The sector is often perceived as complex and in constant shifts, creating a lack of clear pathways into the industry and deterring young people from considering long-term commitments to the energy industry.

Therefore, it is urgent to implement measures that encourage more young people to enter this field, bringing their fresh perspectives, technological savvy, and a sense of urgency – all crucial elements for driving change. This can be achieved through innovative solutions aimed at bridging the knowledge gap, creating more opportunities in education, and strengthening school curricula. Only then can we ensure that young people feel fulfilled and are able to pursue careers that offer the chance to make a tangible impact on the world, providing a strong motivation for those young individuals seeking purpose in their careers.

Job guidance as a solution for attracting skilled workers

For youth to navigate the energy sector and contribute to it in an informed way, they need to be equipped with the tools to analyse and verify the sector’s opportunities. This is where effective education becomes crucial.

The Energy Transition Careers Compass (ETCC) was created to respond to this need. It is a digital tool that guides youth towards meaningful energy transition related careers by mapping all jobs, descriptions and skills in the area of sustainable energy. Developed by Youth for Youth, the ETCC is a growing platform, developed in collaboration with the Green Jobs Tree,  that currently describes more than 100 jobs explaining what each profession does and what competencies and unique skills are needed.

The continuous collection of data – through a questionnaire compiled and disseminated together with international partners – will enable EYEN with a better understanding for students and young workers. We welcome further participation so that together, we can capture an ever-clear ‘photograph’ of the current state of the energy transition, guiding the path for generations to come. 

Recommended link

European Youth Energy Network (2023), Energy Transition Careers Compass Booklet - Main findings on Youth in Energy Transition
  

About the authors

Pedro Sereno is an environmental engineer with extensive experience in energy funding and stakeholder engagement, complemented by public policy studies. He currently works as a European Funding Specialist, where he ensures that the most innovative energy projects transition from paper to reality. In his free time, he advocates for clean energy and youth empowerment. Currently, he serves as Manager of the Energy Transition Careers Compass at EYEN, a Future Sustainability Leader in the Global Youth4Sustainability initiative by Masdar and as COP delegate.

Marco Gervasi, with 5+ years in energy and sustainable development, drove change at 21, ensuring access in Sub-Saharan Africa. Now a Business Developer for Renewable Energy and Hydrogen, he represents youth as Young Energy Ambassador at CINEA, Board member at EYEN and founder at Green Jobs Tree, influencing policy as an IRENA I-ACT educator and COP delegate.

European Youth Energy Network - EYEN is the think tank placing youth at the centre of the European energy transition. We achieve this by: #1 Providing opportunities for young people to take action; #2 Bringing together and linking youth organisations with stakeholders in the energy sector; #3 Innovating youth engagement in sustainable energy. EYEN unites 16 youth-led energy-focused organisations operating in more than 15 countries at European, national, and local levels.

Disclaimer: This article is a contribution from a partner. All rights reserved. 

Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use that might be made of the information in the article. The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and should not be considered as representative of the European Commission’s official position.