ITT Model: Industry Attractiveness

Companies trying to attract workers to fill specific positions will not succeed if those in the labour pool are not attracted to the petroleum industry in the first place. Those who work in and with the petroleum industry know it is exciting, diverse, innovative and important to the country's economy. But those aspects may not be apparent to people who have other, or even negative, perceptions about the industry.

Individual companies must work together to provide accurate information about the industry and its many careers to people making career decisions and to those who influence them. Addressing myths and perceptions with honest and current information will go a long way to positioning the industry in a positive light.

 

ITT Toolkit Model Industry Attractiveness

 

Potential employees and their key influencers want and need to know about:

  • Worker safety
  • Environmental and social responsibility and regulation
  • Innovation and technology
  • Equality, attitude and inclusiveness
  • Job security and the future of the industry
  • Community support and partnerships
  • Career options and paths
  • Learning and development opportunities
  • Compensation and benefits
  • Working conditions, such as shift work, remote locations and travel

 

Industry promotion must be widespread and sustained. The Petroleum HR Council's Careers in Oil and Gas website and Career Awareness program are designed to increase potential workers' awareness of and attraction to the petroleum industry on an ongoing basis. With a combination of a website, career fair exhibits and workshops for key influencers, the Petroleum HR Council communicates about the industry to thousands of people every month.

Providing information is only part of the solution. Companies must prove the industry's attractiveness by sharing opportunities for people to experience industry careers first-hand. Programs such as apprenticeships, work experience, job shadowing, mentoring and internships give potential workers the chance to see for themselves the positive side of the petroleum industry. Such programs can become an important part of a company's recruitment and branding strategy.