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Oil And Gas Sector Grows, But Faces Labor Shortages And Seeks Training To Sustain Expansion

Written by Débora Araújo
Published on 27/06/2025 at 18:51
Setor de petróleo e gás cresce, mas sofre com escassez de mão de obra e busca capacitação para sustentar expansão
Foto: IA
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Oil And Gas Sector Grows With New Investments, But Suffers From Labor Shortages. Training Is A Priority To Sustain Expansion In Brazil.

The oil and gas sector is ready for a new phase of expansion in Brazil, driven by the auctions of new areas, discoveries of fields, and investments in infrastructure that promise to generate jobs, boost the economy, and consolidate the country as an energy powerhouse. However, despite optimistic projections, the segment faces a bottleneck that threatens to limit the speed of this growth: the shortage of qualified labor, especially in operational and technical roles, which are essential to keep platforms, refineries, and new fields running.

The lack of professionals ready to tackle the challenges of production in ultra-deep waters, natural gas projects, and new technologies aimed at decarbonization exposes a problem that goes far beyond recruitment: it is a matter of training professionals for a sector that is changing rapidly and requires a more strategic approach to talent development.

Billion-Dollar Investments And The Challenge Of Finding Professionals

During the SP Offshore 2025 event held in Santos, Petrobras reaffirmed its plan to invest US$ 111 billion in the coming years, with US$ 77 billion aimed at exploration and production, much of the resources concentrated along the coast of São Paulo, especially in the Santos Basin and in areas still in exploratory phases, such as the Equatorial Margin.

This significant volume of investments represents not only the expansion of production but also the urgent need to expand the workforce to meet the expanding operations.

But it is not just about having more people available. The oil and gas sector needs professionals with specific skills to operate in an environment that blends cutting-edge technology, operational safety, and adaptation to the demands of energy transition.

Without this, the projected growth is at risk of remaining on paper, as there is no technology that works without those who operate, manage, and maintain the platforms and floating production units.

Why Is There A Labor Shortage In A Sector That Pays Well?

With attractive salaries, starting from R$ 5,000 and exceeding R$ 20,000 in technical leadership positions, it may seem contradictory that there is a lack of people to work in the sector. However, reality shows that despite the remuneration, there is a deficit in training professionals aligned with the pace of transformations in the oil and gas sector.

The pandemic also left scars, with a 31% increase in operational costs, demanding efficiency from each operation and increasingly prepared professionals to ensure that investments are converted into results.

Another point is that the incoming generation seeks flexibility and new work formats, while offshore still requires physical presence and intense dedication, especially during offshore shifts. This difference in expectations between the market and the workforce needs to be balanced, and companies have been moving to make the sector more attractive.

Training Becomes A Priority In Companies And In The Market

To address the labor shortage, companies in the sector are investing in internal training as a strategy to develop professionals who do not yet possess all the necessary skills.

PRIO, for example, created a corporate university focused on technical and behavioral development, ensuring that employees evolve in sync with the company’s objectives. Equinor emphasizes that strategic planning needs to be connected to training programs, so the development of talents aligns with the company’s growth goals.

Senai was also highlighted at SP Offshore 2025 as a key partner in this journey, updating technical courses and aligning curricula with the actual needs of the sector, from operations on platforms to support roles on land, ensuring more targeted and practical training.

Opportunity For Young People And For Diversity In The Sector

The lack of professionals opens doors for those seeking a solid career in a sector strategic to the Brazilian economy. For many, the oil and gas sector may seem traditional and closed, but there is room for growth, financial stability, and rapid development opportunities, even without a higher education requirement in many cases.

In addition to technical training, the sector is beginning to pay more attention to diversity as a competitive differentiator. Today, only 5% of those working on offshore platforms are women, and changing this scenario is necessary to bring new perspectives, increase innovation, and better reflect society within operations.

Training As The Key To Sustain The Expansion Of The Sector

The coming years will be decisive for the oil and gas sector in Brazil. The combination of new auctions, discoveries of fields, and the billion-dollar investments planned by major operators can consolidate the country as one of the major energy hubs in the world.

However, for this to happen, it is necessary to invest in training, workforce planning, and strategies to make the sector more attractive to young professionals.

Without skilled professionals, platforms do not operate, FPSOs do not produce, and investments do not yield the expected returns. The sector is at a crossroads: the growth potential is enormous, but it will only be achieved if there are prepared people to make it happen.

For those looking to enter a career that pays well, offers stability, and rapid growth opportunities, the oil and gas sector is full of open doors. But it is necessary to be prepared — and the market is finally beginning to understand that investing in people is just as important as investing in equipment and infrastructure.

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Aislan
Aislan
03/07/2025 08:13

E reportagem mentirosa vixeeeeee

Klleber
Klleber
03/07/2025 02:20

Isso é uma tremenda mentira pois estou desempregado tenho vontade de trabalhar e cadê a folha para contratar onde está a empresa que contrata??? Bem estou aqui meu e-mail minha carteira estou vazia é só p me falarem onde eu posso me cadastrar que eu irei correndo estou aqui beleza

Helenaldo Pimentel de Santana
Helenaldo Pimentel de Santana
02/07/2025 08:07

Bom dia! Me desculpem, mas a reportagem está complemente mal editada. Trabalhadores com larga experiência tem bastante só que a maioria das empresas nao contratam profissionais com idade acima dos 50 anos! Esses profissionais são capacitados e inclusive podem com suas experiências ensinar os mais jovens a trabalharem de forma correta e segura, nas diversas operações que acontecem em unidades de perfuração ou produção como: NS, SSS,PA ou FPSO.

Débora Araújo

Débora Araújo is a content writer at Click Petróleo e Gás, with over two years of experience in content production and more than a thousand articles published on technology, the job market, geopolitics, industry, construction, general interest topics, and other subjects. Her focus is on producing accessible, well-researched content of broad appeal. Story ideas, corrections, or messages can be sent to contato.deboraaraujo.news@gmail.com

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