Skills Recognition Gaps Hinder Just Energy Transition in Asia Pacific
Inconsistent certification standards create barriers for workers moving between safety-critical energy sectors.
1Barriers to Workforce Mobility
A new report by Opito highlights that workers in Asia Pacific face significant hurdles when transitioning between energy and mining sectors. Surveying 390 participants across six nations, the study reveals that over two-thirds of employers mandate redundant training or certifications, complicating the movement of experienced personnel into new industry roles.
2Trust Deficit in Certification
The research identifies a profound lack of confidence in how skills are currently assessed across different geographies and projects. Approximately 57 percent of respondents reported that trust erodes when certifications are not universally recognized. Furthermore, 55 percent of employers struggle to verify the practical competence of incoming workers from related sectors.
3Context of Energy Transition
Workforce mobility is a critical component of the region’s broader energy transition strategy. Alongside infrastructure developments like the Asean Power Grid, which aims to enhance cross-border electricity trade, policymakers are focusing on labor market integration. These efforts seek to ensure that experienced workers can contribute to emerging sectors without unnecessary delays.
4National Support Initiatives
Specific countries are implementing localized strategies to manage the shift away from coal dependency. In Indonesia, the International Labour Organization is developing a skills roadmap for economic diversification. Meanwhile, the Philippines is adopting a multi-faceted approach that combines targeted skills development with social protection measures to support workers during this industrial evolution.
5Safety Standards and Innovation
Ooi Suan Hoe of Opito emphasizes that the energy transition must prioritize workforce stability alongside safety. As industries like hydrogen and carbon capture emerge, they must leverage existing expertise from established sectors. The goal is not to lower safety bars, but to create trusted, clear pathways for professional movement between industries.
6Standardization as a Solution
A significant majority of survey respondents, 61 percent, believe that globally aligned training standards are essential for building workforce confidence. In Malaysia, this sentiment is even stronger, with 74 percent of participants advocating for unified safety protocols. Clearer recognition of existing certifications remains a top priority for improving labor market fluidity.
7Developing a Shared Language
Opito CEO Stephen Marcos Jones advocates for a shared language of safety to facilitate cross-sector knowledge exchange. By mapping overlapping competencies while maintaining environment-specific training, the industry can widen career choices for workers. This collaborative approach aims to provide employers with the confidence needed to deploy diverse, experienced teams across projects.
8Future Implications for Industry
The convergence of renewables with traditional oil and gas sectors offers a unique opportunity to modernize the regional workforce. If industry partners successfully align their certification frameworks, they can mitigate the current friction in labor deployment. This shift is vital for maintaining safety standards while accelerating the transition toward a sustainable energy future.