Skills shortages in the energy sector could be solved if employers were more willing to recruit and retrain workers from other industries, according to just under a quarter of respondents to the Maxwell Drummond International Energy Survey 2011.

Sean Buchan, vice president for Europe, Middle East and Africa at energies and utilities executive search firm Maxwell Drummond, has said that this reluctance threatens the sustainability and future of the industry, and urges industry leaders to consider the transferability of talent from other industries.

However, the poor public perception was seen as the main cause of this resources gap, as indicated by 63.8% of respondents.

The survey also reveals that reservoir and petroleum engineering, and drilling and completions are the most acute resources gaps in the sector, with both areas being seen as having acute shortages by 45% of respondents.