Fragmented vision

New technologies, government agendas, cultures, demographics and existential challenges are coming together to form a maelstrom of potential for industry change. The sector has evolved into a myriad of organisations, specialist businesses and training providers that belie what is, in fact, a rather small industry. By headcount, it is estimated that the sector comprises a mere 6500 core employees nationally.

Grow or maintain?

Demand for employees in the electricity sector seems predominantly driven by asset management planning. The industry also displays a maintenance attitude towards the design of its labour market, carrying only the sufficient resources required to sustain current facilities and operations.

Environmentally sustainable vision.

The ES industry in New Zealand already has enviable green credentials, and a central role in securing Aotearoa’s sustainable energy future. Aligned communication is needed to share with potential entrants about how working in the ES industry can make them a part of perhaps the most important sustainability initiative of our time.

Cultural vitality.

There is a desire within the ES industry to celebrate cultural diversity, but the operational realities of creating safe and inclusive workplaces are in considerable need of refinement. A number of interviewees shared experiences of being confronted with racism in the ES industry, either directly or by observation.

Barriers to discovery.

A recurrent research theme was the difficulty of discovering, and learning about, the electricity sector. For potential new entrants, access to objective information about working in the electricity sector is limited and often unclear. Both trainees and young employees described gaining industry knowledge through chance interactions, or from family members or peers already in the sector.