Oil and gas industry professionals are concerned that not enough is being done to recruit future technical professionals, according to a poll conducted Tuesday at the SPE Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) 2011 in Houston.

The poll, which asked participants, ‘Is the industry is doing enough to avert an impending shortage of technical professionals?’, found that 72 percent of participants felt that not enough is being done to address the issue, while 28 percent felt the industry providing enough to attract future professionals.

The poll was conducted by global independent technical advisor GL Noble Denton as part of its new Industry Snapshot campaign, and was taken during the second day of OTC. It reflects the responses of a variety of professionals in the oil and gas industry, and the result provides insight into the potential future of the energy sector during a particularly economically challenging time in its history.

“The increasing shortage of technical skills in the industry is a topic close to the hearts of oil and gas professionals. Today’s poll reflects an overall feeling that the sector will encounter challenges as a result of its failure to attract, recruit and retain highly talented people,” said John Wishart, President of GL Noble Denton.

“It is clear that we need to work together more cohesively to help educate emerging young talent on the benefits of joining the oil and gas industry.”

GL Noble Denton is conducting three polls during the week, one for each full day of OTC. On Monday 3 May, visitors were asked whether or not they expect the price of oil to reach $150 per barrel by the end of 2011, and the findings showed that the industry is evenly divided in opinion. 48 percent felt it would reach $150 per barrel; 52 percent felt it would not.

Tags: GL Noble Denton, OTC 2011