Energy Transitions podcast: Tackling the workforce challenge that threatens net zero
Pamela Largue
Posted on: 15 April 2025
In this Energy Transitions podcast, Alison Lowrie of STEM Select and Tom Essex of KIGYO, provide practical insights into tackling the workforce challenge from the ground up.
The energy sector is waking up to the fact that skills gaps and a dwindling talent pool threaten progress to net zero and that urgent action is required to secure the future workforce.
In this episode of the Energy Transitions Podcast, Pamela Largue spoke with two experts on the front lines of recruitment, Alison Lowrie, founder of STEM Select and Tom Essex, founder of KIGYO, to find out how to tackle the workforce challenges from the ground up.
Lowrie and Essex share practical, candid insights into how to evolve the recruitment space, minimising barriers to attracting and retaining diverse talent.
Read Enlit's report: Making it work: Tackling the energy transition workforce challenge
In this episode you will learn more about:
- How to move from planning to action when it comes to solving workforce challenges;
- Why transferable skills are still underutilised and how to change that;
- How to ensure we attract more women and other underrepresented groups;
- The role of governments in fostering more effective recruitment;
- What educational institutions need to do to address skills gaps and headcount challenges;
- The need for more attractive vocational training programmes to boost the net-zero workforce;
- Why reskilling programmes are critical to ensuring a sustainable energy transition;
- Why collaboration between stakeholders might be the greatest asset in solving this challenge.
LISTEN NOW
Listen to previous episodes:
Unlocking the flexibility potential of Europe’s EVs
The hope and hype of Europe’s Clean Industrial Deal
Trump 2.0 – Navigating the energy policy puzzle
More about the energy workforce:
France’s electricity network workforce is short by 43,000 people
How to win the battle for the best energy talent
Preparing for AI & ML: Bridging the utilities skills gap
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