Skip to ContentSkip to Navigation
About us Latest news Events

Energy lecture: The influence of the energy transition on the Dutch labour market, by Marsha Wagner of Topsector Energie

When:We 25-01-2017 13:00 - 14:00
Where:Energy Academy Building, Nijenborgh 6, Zernike, Groningen. Room 5159.0029.

The energy transition affects our society as a whole – for one: the job market. Marsha Wagner, Program Manager for the Human Capital Agenda at ‘Topsector Energie’ will address forecasted changes in the near future labour markets, professions and professionalism. How does the energy transition affect the labour market? Which personal and professional skills do we need in our society in the near future? Are we ready for it?

Developments such as technology, robotics, artificial intelligence and digitalisation change our labour markets on a global scale. The Dutch labour market is no exception to this rule. Professions and work environment constantly change due to these developments. Research on the influence of the energy transition on the Dutch labour market indicates five main themes: industrialisation of the construction sector, system integration, ICT, energy coaching and lifetime learning. Each of those themes have an influence on professions and the required skills; digital skills and skills at a higher level (‘upskilling’).
The fifth theme is fascinating as it implies that we educate for a lifetime learning which makes sense both from a perspective of energy transition as well as from a perspective of transforming energy companies into innovative and agile organisations. Alternative research shows that the employment level is, however, not improving as fast as assumed by the National Energy Agreement. It actually follows the pace of the energy transition. The consumption of renewable energy increased in 2015 to 5,8% of the total energy consumption and should increase to 14% in 2020.

The transition of the energy system is causing changes to the labour market. It concerns countless potential configurations contributing to a sustainable economy and a society free from CO2 emissions and with only a bare minimum of energy consumption. This transition requires professionals with a personal drive to innovate, to develop and to build this energy system from different perspectives. In this lecture Marsha Wagner will explain how the energy transition and the labour market are related and how it affects the occupations and demands of (young) professionals with different disciplines.

Energy Lecture VandeBron