GETI 2024: petrochemicals professionals embrace AI revolution

Nearly all respondents to the GETI 2024 report say AI will increase demand for skills, with two thirds (63%) of petrochemical professionals expecting AI to increase pressure on them to acquire new skills. Technical skills such as programming, software engineering, data science and cybersecurity are where professionals expect to see the greatest demand in the petrochemicals sector. When exploring the relationship between potential skills development opportunities and perceived future demand, initial findings highlight programming, software engineering, robotics and cyber security as areas the industry may need to proactively develop to shore up skills.

Despite an overwhelmingly positive outlook, a lack of soft skills, such as leadership and communication, is considered the number one challenge to greater use of AI in the petrochemicals sector. Furthermore, only 15% of professionals say they may develop these skills.

Janette Marx, CEO of Airswift, notes: “Petrochemicals align closely with renewables in AI adoption placing it at the forefront of the energy industry. The challenge now is ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to harness AI’s full potential. Improving soft skills would be advantageous to those ambitious professionals seeking to climb the career ladder.”

According to the report, 60% of petrochemical professionals report a salary increase in the past year, with 45% experiencing rises above 5%. This upward trend, echoed by 69% of hiring managers, signals a return to pre-pandemic salary levels and an expectation of continued growth.

The petrochemicals workforce remains globally mobile, with 81% of professionals open to relocation, driven primarily by career progression. Popular destinations include Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Additionally, the sector exhibits a high openness to changing roles, with 57% considering moves within petrochemicals and 23% showing an increased interest in transitioning outside of the industry with renewables an attractive destination.