Closing the energy & utilities skills gap with the metaverse
As the country moves towards net-zero and decarbonisation, the need for dual-skilled workers—proficient in both traditional energy systems and renewable technologies—is increasing rapidly.
According to the Energy Institute, over half of employers in the sector struggle to fill critical roles, from pipeline engineers to process safety specialists. Meanwhile, younger workers are often reluctant to join the industry, viewing it as unstable or outdated compared to tech-driven sectors. So how can energy and utilities companies attract, train, and retain the next generation of talent?
The answer may lie in the metaverse, an emerging virtual environment that offers a fresh approach to recruitment, training, and stakeholder engagement.
Addressing the energy sector’s workforce challenges The UK’s transition to low-carbon and renewable energy sources is driving demand for a workforce with specialised skills in areas such as:
- Hydrogen technology
- Carbon capture and storage
- Offshore wind and solar
- Grid infrastructure and smart energy systems
Yet, many existing workers in high-carbon sectors lack the expertise needed to transition into these emerging fields. At the same time, younger generations are less likely to consider careers in energy and utilities due to outdated perceptions and limited exposure to the industry.
To remain competitive, businesses must modernise their approach to talent attraction and workforce development.
The metaverse: A game-changer for energy and utilities The metaverse offers an immersive, engaging way to showcase careers, provide hands-on training, and connect with future talent. Energy and utilities companies can use virtual environments to:
- Run virtual career fairs – Engage potential candidates remotely, eliminating geographical barriers.
- Offer interactive job previews – Let candidates experience “a day in the life” of an energy engineer or grid technician.
- Provide immersive training – Deliver VR-based safety simulations for hazardous work environments.
- Educate stakeholders – Create interactive experiences for schools, colleges, and career advisors to promote sector opportunities.
Why the metaverse is perfect for the energy sector
- Engages digital-native talent – Today’s workforce expects technology-driven experiences. Virtual platforms align with their expectations.
- Overcomes geographic barriers – Companies can connect with candidates from across the UK and beyond.
- Reduces costs – Virtual recruitment and training are more cost-effective than in-person alternatives.
- Scales workforce development – Training programs can be easily expanded to meet future demand.
Breaking down barriers to industry entry One of the biggest obstacles to attracting talent into energy and utilities is industry awareness. Many young people have little exposure to the sector and don’t consider it as a career option.
Reaching young audiences can also be challenging, with organisations traditionally targeting messaging at learners in further education. Using the metaverse opens up the barriers to conversations, bringing in a younger generation of primary school and secondary school learners and those in further and higher education to discover more about potential career paths in their future. Parents and guardians can also use it to learn about new industries and opportunities for their children.
The metaverse allows companies to reshape perceptions by offering a dynamic, technology-driven introduction to energy careers. Virtual simulations, gamified challenges, and interactive job previews bring the sector to life, highlighting its innovation and long-term career prospects.
Powering the future workforce The UK’s energy and utilities sector must adapt to attract the workforce of tomorrow. By embracing the metaverse, companies can create engaging, immersive experiences that not only attract fresh talent but also reskill existing employees for the green energy transition.
Are you ready to explore the potential of the metaverse for your organisation? mXreality has developed a Careers Metaverse powered by Metaverse Hub, designed to help energy and utilities businesses attract, train, and retain talent in an ever-evolving industry. For more information and to set up a free demonstration, talk to our team at info@mxreality.co.uk
