MILLENNIALS expert Ryan Jenkins is warning the global oil and gas industry that it is on the brink of a dangerous “war on talent” which will see young people becoming disengaged and moving into other sectors within just a few years of employment.
He is urging organisations to adapt modern technology and methods to attract, train and retain young people to ensure the workforce of tomorrow also develops into a safe and competent one.
Jenkins, a world-renowned expert and published author on the topic of millennials, will deliver his stark message during his keynote speech at the annual OPITO Safety and Competence Conference (OSCC 2017) in November at the Royal Chulan, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
Jenkins said: “A war on talent has begun in the global workplace and the oil and gas industry is at the threshold. The millennial generation makes up the lion’s share of personnel across companies with 66 per cent of them expecting to leave their current employer by the end of 2020. This makes attraction and retention amongst the greatest challenges for businesses today.
“Companies must not only battle against competitors to be the most appealing to this generation, but they must also give serious consideration as to how they engage with them, the technology young people use, and how this group views and equates success at work.
“My presentation at OSCC 2017 will drive this message home to delegates, reveal some of the latest working trends and provide a better understanding of who millennials are.”
OSCC 2017 is the only global event focused on safety and competency in the oil and gas industry. It attracts delegates and exhibitors from all over the world including the UK, US, Europe, Middle East and AsiaPac.
Jenkins’s speech will set the tone under this year’s theme New Generation, New Thinking. He will uncover the unique culture of those born between 1982-1997, what influences attracts them to stay with companies, as well as revealing examples of global organisations successfully building a stronger future.
Originally from Colorado in the US, Jenkins has helped organisations such as soft drinks giant Coca-Cola, heavy equipment manufacturer John Deere, and international financial business Wells Fargo to adapt and better understand young people entering their industries.
OPITO interim chief executive officer John McDonald said: “The next generation has grown up in a hi-tech, fast-paced, interconnected world and, as an industry, we need to look at how we can further embrace these methods and gadgetry advancements whilst maintaining standards.
“We look forward to Ryan sharing his wisdom and strategic experiences with us as we consider the ambitions of millennials as well as hearing from our other speakers and industry experts discussing new practices and standards during the event.”
Meanwhile, six industry leaders representing both operator and major contractor companies will chair sessions to encourage debate and push progress on the sector’s priority issues at Oil & Gas UK’s Facing the Future conference in Aberdeen on June 6.
Stephen Marcos Jones, Oil & Gas UK’s director of business excellence, said: “Topics at the top of the industry agenda are investment stimulation; supply chain resilience; industrial strategy; health, safety and environment; industry vision and efficiency.”
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