Renewable Energy Firms Compete for Talent in a Tight Market

[jpak]

http://www.renewableaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=51408

As global demand for renewable energy increases, leaders of the renewable marketplace are competing for professional talent in a tight employment market. Right now, some firms have as many as 10-15 job openings, a sure sign that the search for talent is a difficult one to say the least. The demand for top talent obviously extends beyond the renewable industry. For over a decade, the high-tech, medical and financial services industries, to name a few, have dealt with significant challenges in attracting and retaining top talent. The rapid growth of the renewable energy industry today coupled with continuous talent shortages and increased employee turnover, means that firms must develop creative talent acquisition strategies and ramp up activities pertaining to all levels of recruitment.

If you were able to poll the entire renewable industry, you would likely find a vast majority of renewable energy professionals entered the industry motivated by the triple bottom line: people, planet, profit: taking into account environmental and social performance in addition to personal financial gain. Once in the industry, it's the explosive industry growth that retains the talent. Christine Real de Azua, American Wind Energy Association's Assistant Director for Communications says, "people who join the wind energy business stay there. With the industry growing so fast, why would they leave?"

After a successful career as an entrepreneur and non-commissioned Officer in the US Air Force, Sean O'Hanlon, President of the American Biofuels Council in Miami began to contemplate the true measure of success. He says, "Fundamentally, I looked at the landscape; saw a torch on the ground and no one picking it up. The deeper I get into it, I find this to be the most satisfying and rewarding profession I have ever had."

<more>