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Opinion

Driving Diversity: Why Representation Matters in the Energy Workforce

By Stephen Marcos Jones, CEO, OPITO

At OPITO, we are committed to fostering a safe and competent workforce that mirrors the rich diversity of our global community. We believe inclusion drives innovation, strengthens safety, and enhances competence across the energy sector. Recognising and embracing the full spectrum of intersectionality, including gender, ethnicity, social background, and sexual orientation, is not only a moral imperative, but also a strategic necessity for cultivating a resilient, innovative, and future-ready workforce.

Through initiatives like My Energy Future and the APTUS apprenticeship programme, we’re pro-actively working to widen participation and provide opportunities for individuals from all walks of life. We know that talent exists everywhere but opportunity isn’t always equally accessible. That’s why our focus is on breaking down barriers, amplifying underrepresented voices, and creating pathways for all individuals to thrive. Whether someone is the first in their family to consider a career in energy, or navigating their identity in the workplace, they should feel seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.  An inclusive workforce isn’t just more welcoming. It’s strengthened by a rich diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds, empowering us all to be better prepared for the challenges ahead.

June marked a powerful moment of reflection and celebration, with both Pride Month and International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) shining a light on the progress being made, as well as the work still to come. As proud sponsors of INWED, OPITO is committed to championing greater visibility and opportunity for women in the sector. This year,  we celebrated INWED by showcasing some of the incredible female talent within our APTUS apprenticeship programme who are already making their mark in the energy industry. While these moments of recognition are important, what truly matters is that the visibility, inclusion, and progress they represent continues to be championed all year round. It's encouraging to see so many across our industry using these milestones as a catalyst for lasting, meaningful change.

Despite the importance of intersectionality being recognised across the global industry,  we recognise there is still more to achieve. Diversity must be embedded into every conversation about workforce development and safety culture. It’s not an add-on. It’s a driver of better decision-making, stronger teams, and more sustainable outcomes.

As we look to the future, our challenge is to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, can see themselves in this industry, and most importantly, feel valued in it. That’s the future we’re working towards. Together.