Technology and energy workforce conversations are becoming impossible to ignore in Aberdeen, particularly in the context of the energy transition. Grace May was privileged to attend the Dealmakers Breakfast at The Marcliffe recently, and it was genuinely encouraging to see the Aberdeen energy community out in force, engaging openly on what comes next for the sector and its people.energy community out in force.
The panel brought together leaders who are shaping the direction of the UK’s energy future, including Dan McGrail, Chief Executive Officer of Great British Energy, Gerry McGurk, Managing Director of Rockall, and Maggie McGinlay, Chief Executive of Energy Transition Zone. The discussion was open, thoughtful, and grounded in the realities facing businesses and people across the sector.
You can learn more about the organisations shaping the discussion, including Great British Energy and Energy Transition Zone (ETZ)
One message came through clearly. The North East of Scotland has a highly skilled workforce with deep expertise in complex engineering, digital systems and emerging energy technologies. These are people who know how to innovate, adapt and deliver at scale. Capability is not the issue. What continues to slow progress is uncertainty.
From a technology perspective, this matters deeply. Digital platforms, data, automation and advanced systems are central to delivering the energy transition. But technology does not operate in isolation. It relies on confidence, long-term planning and policy clarity to attract investment, retain talent and allow innovation to land and stay here.
When energy policy lacks consistency, it is not just projects and timelines that are impacted. People feel it too. Engineers, technologists and digital specialists want to build meaningful careers in organisations that can plan beyond the short term.
At Grace May, we see this first-hand through our work across technology and energy recruitment. The opportunity is significant. With clearer direction and long-term thinking, the North East is exceptionally well placed to lead. Backing both the technology and the people behind it will be critical to turning ambition into lasting impact.
