Millennials expert gives stark warning to global oil and gas sector: update approach or lose future workforce

Company

11th May 2017

OSCC 2017 speaker says if next generation’s loyalty hangs in the balance so too does the industry

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 presentation at the annual OPITO Safety & Competence Conference (OSCC 2017) which is being held on 8th November and at the Royal Chulan, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia for the second year running.

OSCC 2017 is the only global event focused on safety and competency in the oil and gas industry. Now open for registrations (www.opito.com/oscc-registration), the free to attend conference attracts delegates and exhibitors from all over the world including the UK, US, Europe, Middle East and AsiaPac.

Jenkins 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 and 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, he 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.

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% 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 hometo delegates, reveal some of the latest working trends and provide a better understanding of who millennials are.”

The OSCC event and exhibition was introduced eight years ago to bring operators, contractors and the supply chain together with training organisations and provide a forum for improving standards of safety and competency that protect the workforce and the industry’s reputation.

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.”

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