The Energy Sector in Nuevo León Faces a Significant Talent Shortage
Monterrey, NL. The energy sector in Nuevo León is grappling with a severe shortage of specialized talent, as seven out of ten companies report difficulties in hiring personnel with the appropriate skills. A study by the Inter-American Development Bank (BID) and the Nuevo León Energy Cluster highlights a gap between academic training and market requirements, hindering the sector’s development and competitiveness.
Root Causes of the Talent Shortage
The study identifies that the issue is not a lack of talent but rather insufficient specialization, inadequate academic training, and inadequate skill development. Specifically:
- 46.4%: Lack of specialized profiles
- 30.4%: Deficiencies in academic training
- 12%: Insufficient skill development
- 3.6%: Limited availability of talent
Critical Skill Shortages
The research also uncovered critical shortages of specialized technicians and professionals with advanced degrees. Technicians are the most difficult role to fill (29.8%), followed by postgraduates and specializations (20.2%) and energy engineering (19%). Moreover, nearly two out of ten companies emphasized the importance of international certifications to validate competencies in an increasingly demanding market.
Critical Areas of Difficulty
More than half of the companies reported difficulties in covering technical and operational positions, particularly in maintenance, operation, and instrumentation. One in four companies identified obstacles in regulation and compliance due to the complexity of the electricity market, while there is also a shortage of personnel in emerging fields like strategic innovation, commercialization, research and development, and design.
Current academic programs were perceived as overly theoretical, with little practical experience and scant connection to real-world regulations and technologies. This disconnect underscores the urgency of redesigning training towards practical models, such as dual education and technical diplomas.
Addressing the Demand for Skilled Talent
The study, involving around 100 companies, the state government, and academia, determined that the energy sector primarily requires training in energy management, system operation, innovation, and technological development. Additionally, profiles with knowledge in project design, execution, cybersecurity, and certifications are needed.
To meet this demand, companies prioritize promoting specialized diplomas, offering scholarships with financial aid, advocating for dual education, and strengthening international certifications.
Roadmap for Developing Energy Talent
Eleazar Rivera, Director of the Cluster, emphasized the importance of mobilizing qualified human capital to address current and future needs of strategic chains like hydrocarbons, electricity, and industrial consumption. This involves updating the technical and transversal skills map and identifying regulatory and educational barriers limiting employability.
Proposed actions include designing flexible training programs—such as microcredentials, technical diplomas, in-company courses, and “energy bootcamps”—standardizing formation routes for critical occupations, and most importantly, promoting “soft skills” like creativity, continuous learning, and communication.
Finally, the Cluster proposes creating a state talent platform, a Talent Observatory for Energy, and new regional alliances to strengthen collaboration between industry, academia, and government.
About the Study Authors
The project’s authors are: María del Pilar Rodríguez, Coordinator of the Human Capital Committee of the Cluster; Eleazar Rivera, General Director of the Cluster; Germán Contreras and Álvaro Romo, Research and Data Analysis Consultants; and Eduardo Iván Díaz, Editor and Designer.
