AAPG Statements on:
- Geologic Carbon Storage
- Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf Resources
- Hydraulic Fracturing
- Preservation of Geological and Geophysical Data
- National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska Access
- Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Access
- United States National Energy Supply
- Climate Change
- Tax Reform
- Natural Gas Supply Concerns
- Reformation of the Endangered Species Act
- Reformation of the Clean Water Act -- Wetlands Access
- Offshore OCS Access
- Research and Development Needs
- Oil and Gas Workforce Needs in the 21st Century
Oil and Gas Workforce Needs in the 21st Century (PDF)
Issue:
Ensuring secure global oil and gas supplies requires a qualified and well-trained domestic and international oil and gas workforce. The oil and gas industry is increasingly aware that this workforce will not be available in the future to meet its needs. Government institutions and agencies dealing with oil and gas issues face a similar shortage of qualified staff. This will have serious ramifications for U.S. and global energy security.
Background:
There are two major challenges to maintaining a qualified and trained workforce. First, the demographics of current workers, as measured by labor statistics, points to a wave of retirements in the next 10 years. Second, there is a shortage of qualified workers to replace them. This is reflected in low student enrollments in university geosciences and petroleum engineering programs. Attitudinal surveys suggest low student interest in pursuing a career in oil and gas. The shortage spans the entire workforce, from geoscientists and engineers to well-site employees and service company personnel.
Statement:
- AAPG supports federal action to enhance geoscience and engineering training and education, beginning in primary and secondary school and continuing through undergraduate and graduate education.
- AAPG supports a strong federal research and development program in energy, science and engineering, which provides essential research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
- AAPG supports vocational training and safety programs to ensure safe and reliable delivery of energy to U.S. and world markets.
- AAPG supports government immigration policies that enhance the ability of technical professionals and highly skilled workers to move across borders for employment.
- AAPG encourages industry to create opportunities for retirement-eligible employees to remain in the workforce, and educational programs to increase student awareness and interest in the energy, science and engineering professions.
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