Skills Gaps Hinder Energy Workers' Cross-Sector Moves
A report by Opito finds that unrecognised training and certifications force energy and mining workers across Asia Pacific to repeat qualifications when changing sectors.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Careers
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Opito released a report finding that gaps in skills recognition hinder energy and mining workers from moving between sectors in Asia Pacific. The survey of 390 workers and employers across six markets found that employers in every market often require additional training when hiring from related sectors.
Why it matters
Requirements for repeated training and certification make it harder for experienced workers to access opportunities in other industries, which complicates a just transition away from fossil-fuel-dependent work. Recognising existing competencies across sectors could help workers and employers in the region move more efficiently.
Among 390 surveyed workers and employers, 57 per cent said trust breaks down when training is not recognised across sectors, and 55 per cent cited difficulty verifying practical competence. Sixty-one per cent identified globally aligned training and safety standards as key to mobility confidence, rising to 74 per cent in Malaysia.
The players
Opito
A Scotland-based energy workforce organisation that conducts sector skills research and workforce mobility studies.
International Labour Organization
A United Nations agency that sets international labour standards and supports skills development and social protection programmes worldwide.
The details
The survey covered Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam and examined skills recognition in safety-critical industries such as oil and gas and mining. The report recommends mapping overlapping competencies while retaining environment-specific training.
Timeline
October 2026: ASEAN members reached consensus on an enhanced memorandum of understanding for the ASEAN Power Grid.
November 3, 2026: Opito published the report on skills recognition gaps.
Career Pathways
The findings align with the International Labour Organization's skills roadmap for coal-dependent regions in Indonesia, which pairs retraining with recognition of existing competencies. The report suggests that unresolved cross-sector recognition could slow similar transitions elsewhere in the region.
Workers in safety-critical industries who plan to switch sectors may need to budget for additional training or assessment, since many employers in the surveyed markets still require it. Verifying how existing certifications are recognised before applying can reduce unexpected retraining costs.
The takeaway
Recognising existing skills across sectors could shorten career transitions for energy and mining workers. Employers and certifying bodies that align training standards may find it easier to retain experienced workers during the shift.
Further reading
For related coverage of workforce transitions, see the Careers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Eco-Business.
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