Nuevo Leon Launches Energy Talent Strategy With IDB

The Energy Cluster of Nuevo Leon and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have launched a new initiative to address talent gaps in the state's energy industry. The project, titled Deployment of a Strategy for the Development of Skills for the Energy Industry of Nuevo Leon, is based on a study that identified deficiencies in the skills of the local workforce.

The study found that seven out of 10 companies in Nuevo Leon have trouble hiring qualified personnel. The primary issues identified were a lack of specialization (46.4%), deficient academic training (30.4%), and insufficient on-the-job training (12%). Only a small fraction of companies (3.6%) attributed their hiring difficulties to a general lack of available talent.

The research identified a critical shortage of specialized technicians and professionals with advanced degrees. The most difficult positions to fill were for specialized technicians (29.8%), followed by post-graduate and specialized graduates (20.2%), and energy engineers (19%).

Current academic programs were also found too theoretical, with insufficient practical experience and a limited connection to real-world regulations and technologies. To bridge this gap, companies are prioritizing specialized diplomas, scholarships, dual education, and international certifications.

The study highlights that the energy sector needs training in areas such as energy management, systems operation, innovation, and technology development, as well as the need for expertise in project design and execution, cybersecurity, and certifications.

The initiative aims to create a roadmap for talent development, which includes updating the skills map for the energy industry and identifying educational barriers. Proposed actions include creating flexible training programs and promoting soft skills like creativity and continuous learning.

The cluster also proposes establishing a state-level energy talent platform, an Energy Talent Observatory, and new regional alliances to strengthen collaboration between industry, academia, and the government. This effort is intended to position Nuevo Leon as a leader in the energy transition and leverage its industrial weight and role in nearshoring to meet future demands.