How people are powering progress in the energy transition

While all eyes are on AI and sustainability, people are the real engines of progress and can’t be overlooked, especially in the energy sector, argues Riccardo Barberis, President of the Northern Europe Region at ManpowerGroup and Manpower’s Global Brand Leader.

In a world where the pace of change is nothing short of dizzying, we find ourselves at the intersection of two of the most powerful forces of our time: artificial intelligence and sustainability. It’s a thrilling time to be in the workforce, with technology pushing boundaries and green initiatives gaining momentum.

Yet amidst this whirlwind of innovation and transformation, there’s a simple truth that can’t be overlooked: the real engine of progress isn’t technology or policy — it’s people.

Imagine a future where your job isn’t just about making a living, but includes making a difference. This isn’t some distant dream; it’s a reality that’s unfolding right now. The green transition is more than just a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy; it’s a complete reimagining of how we work, learn, and grow in our careers.

While all eyes are on AI and sustainability, Riccardo Barberis argues that people are the real engines of progress and can’t be overlooked.

At ManpowerGroup, we’ve had a front-row seat to this transformation.

We’re witnessing firsthand how the green transition is opening new career paths, reshaping traditional roles, and challenging us to think differently about what work means in the 21st century.

Revolution and evolution in one

One question I’m asked regularly is whether this green transition is a job revolution or an evolution. From where we stand, it’s both — and it’s happening right before our eyes.

Entirely new careers are sprouting up like never before. Roles like “carbon capture specialist” or “sustainable supply chain manager” were virtually unheard of a decade ago.

But it’s not all about ‘out with the old, in with the new’. Many traditional roles are getting a green makeover. Picture an oil and gas engineer now focusing on energy efficiency, or a marketer crafting campaigns around sustainability.

It’s like watching your favourite childhood treehouse evolve into an eco-friendly smart home: same foundation, whole new purpose.

This mix of revolution and evolution is what makes this transition unique. It’s not about discarding skills; it’s about adapting, growing, and bridging the gap between what we know and what we need to learn.

It’s challenging, sure, but isn’t that where the excitement lies?

The driving force behind this change is our younger generations. Gen Z and millennials aren’t just along for the ride, they’re in the driver’s seat, foot on the accelerator.

Our research paints an inspiring picture: 71% of Gen Z and 60% of Millennials believe the green transition will make their work lives better. For them, making a positive impact isn’t a bonus — it’s a must-have.

This shift is reshaping how companies attract talent. Imagine a world where 75% of job seekers aged 18-24 are scrutinising a company’s green credentials before saying ‘yes’ to a job offer. That’s not the future — it’s happening right now.

But here’s where it gets interesting. While 32% of Gen Z is pushing for higher pay in green jobs, only 14% of baby boomers feel the same way. It’s a reminder that we need to bridge this generational gap, ensuring that everyone — regardless of age — sees the incredible potential in this green transition.

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Skills: The great balancing act

Let’s tackle the elephant in the room: skills.

The green transition isn’t about tossing out everything we know and starting from scratch. It’s more like updating your smartphone: same device, new capabilities.

Our data show that employers expect about 54% of technical skills to need an update to keep pace with the green economy. That might sound daunting, but we’re not learning a whole new language, we’re just adding some new words to our vocabulary.

For example, in manufacturing, we’re projecting that 66% of roles will be altered in some way due to the green transition.

This could mean anything from operating eco-friendly machinery to incorporating sustainability into quality control. It’s about evolution, not revolution.

The automotive industry isn’t just shifting towards electric vehicle production, it’s reimagining the supply chain. Auto workers are becoming battery technicians, software engineers are focusing on energy management systems, and logistics experts are creating sustainable, closed-loop supply chains.

In construction, the demand for green buildings is skyrocketing, along with the need for workers skilled in sustainable practices. Architects, engineers, and builders are upskilling to incorporate green design principles, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable materials.

Even finance is changing, with a surge in demand for experts in sustainable investing and Environmental, Social, and Governance analysis. It’s not just about crunching numbers anymore — it’s about understanding the long-term environmental impact of investments.

This greening of traditional industries isn’t just good for the planet, it’s opening new career paths and opportunities for innovation.

The million-dollar question is: how do we upskill our current workforce while preparing the next generation for these green jobs? That’s where the excitement — and the challenge — lies.

People-powered solutions

The key to navigating this transition successfully is putting people first. It’s about investing in our greatest asset: human potential.

For example, at ManpowerGroup, by focusing on practical, people-centred solutions, we aim to bridge the gap between the current workforce and the green jobs of the future.

We’ve set an ambitious goal of training, developing, and placing ten million people into green jobs by 2030. To achieve this, we’re implementing innovative strategies: • Skill mapping: Creating roadmaps showing how existing skills can evolve into green roles.

• Championing adaptability: Helping companies hire for potential and soft skills, creating a workforce of versatile problem-solvers.
• Step-by-step transitions: Helping companies create gradual progressions, adding green touches to existing roles.
• Partnerships for progress: Collaborating with organisations like the InnoEnergy Skills Institute to provide flexible training across Europe.
• Clear Communication: Assisting companies in articulating their green transformation stories clearly.

The green transition, exciting as it is, isn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the skills gap. While the demand for green skills is skyrocketing, the supply isn’t always keeping up.

The pace of change can be overwhelming, especially for sectors undergoing rapid transformation. There’s a very real fear of being left behind.

Accessibility is another key issue. We need to ensure that opportunities in the green economy are open to everyone, regardless of background or current skill level. This is where the idea of a ‘just transition’ comes in—making sure that as we move towards a greener future, we’re bringing everyone along with us.

But these challenges are also opportunities. They’re pushing us to innovate, to think creatively about skills development and workforce transition.

They’re driving collaborations between industries, educational institutions, and governments.

A green and human future

The green transition is more than a shift in energy sources — it’s a reimagining of work itself. It has the potential to create careers that are not just sustainable for the planet, but fulfilling for people.

At ManpowerGroup, we’re all in, chips on the table. We’re committed to creating a future where growth and sustainability go hand in hand, powered by a workforce that’s skilled, adaptable, and engaged. But we can’t do this alone. It takes all of us — businesses, governments, schools, and workers — to make this happen. We need to invest in our people, giving them the skills, knowledge, and support to thrive in this new green economy.

Remember, the green transition isn’t just about new tech or policies. At its heart, it’s about people.

As we move forward, our greatest asset in tackling climate change and building a sustainable future is our human capital.

By investing in our workforce, we’re not just preparing for the future. We’re actively shaping it while creating a world of work that’s greener, more inclusive, and brimming with opportunity for all.

Are you interested in the workforce challenges within the energy transition? At Enlit Europe, you can join the Think Tank dedicated to this topic. The Think Tank is taking place on Thursday 24 October, at 10AM in the Evolve room.

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