As the global energy sector undergoes a seismic shift—driven by sustainability imperatives and rapid digitalisation—the demand for professionals who can straddle traditional engineering roles and emerging tech capabilities has never been higher. At the forefront of this transformation is SBM Offshore India. Under the leadership of Rekha Alagappan, Country Human Resources Manager, the company is investing in a future-ready, hybrid talent pool equipped to lead in the evolving offshore energy landscape.

 They address this gap through comprehensive upskilling initiatives, structured learning pathways, and strong mentorship programs. their "BUDDY Program" ensures new team members are mentored by experienced offshore professionals, accelerating practical learning and integration. Meanwhile, the "EXPERT Management Program" focuses on peer-led domain knowledge-sharing and skill development.”

Alagappan emphasises that by continually investing in capability building and fostering a culture of learning, they are developing a talent pool equipped to lead in the evolving offshore energy landscape.

The company also encourages self-driven growth through its "Own Your Growth" philosophy and a 70:20:10 learning framework, integrating formal training, peer learning, and on-the-job experience. International on-site assignments further build both technical and leadership capabilities.

Attracting Next-Gen Talent to Offshore Energy

Despite the sector's image as traditional or high-risk, Alagappan believes it offers a unique value proposition for young professionals. “They are looking for purpose, innovation, and impact—and offshore energy delivers on all three,” she explains.

Through its TRUE. BLUE. TRANSITION. strategy, SBM Offshore is shaping the future of offshore energy while advancing sustainability and digital transformation. Clear career growth paths, early potential programs, and exposure to cutting-edge projects help position the sector as a meaningful and innovative space for young talent.

“We offer clear growth pathways through mentorship, Early Potential Program (EPP) programs, and exposure to cutting-edge projects to attract next-generation talent. We also invest in both technical excellence and future-ready skills like digital fluency, critical thinking, and leadership—empowering our people to collaborate, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the energy transition,” explains Alagappan.

Blending Technical Expertise with Future-Ready Skills

In a sector that demands deep domain expertise, SBM Offshore balances this with growing needs for digital fluency and soft skills. Talent development programs focus equally on:

• Technical training
• Digital literacy & data analytics
• Leadership & stakeholder management
• Soft skills such as ownership, integrity, and care

"We are shaping professionals who are not just specialists but also collaborative problem-solvers," says Alagappan.

Creating Talent Pipelines through Partnerships

SBM Offshore India collaborates closely with universities and industry bodies to develop programs aligned with the sector’s evolving needs. “These partnerships help students gain exposure to the offshore energy sector early on, provide practical learning opportunities, and ensure a steady inflow of well-equipped talent. Such engagements are key to fostering innovation and strengthening the long-term vitality of the industry,’ she shares.

Prioritising Retention through Purpose and Progression

For Alagappan, retention begins with creating an environment where talent feels valued, inspired, and empowered. They prioritise employee experience by investing in learning, recognising contributions, and enabling clear growth pathways. She adds that tetention, particularly for niche roles, is managed through a strong focus on employee experience. Guided by its EVP—"Your Growth, Our Future"—SBM Offshore India ensures:

• Purposeful work opportunities
• Work-life integration
• Collaborative, inclusive culture
• Structured career development and mentorship

"When people find meaning and momentum in their careers, they stay," Alagappan affirms.

AI and Automation: Tools for Empowerment, Not Replacement

Far from replacing jobs, AI and automation are seen as productivity boosters. SBM Offshore India is actively preparing teams through:

• Training on safe and strategic GenAI adoption
• Microsoft Copilot deployment with data protection

Internal AI hackathons leading to practical tools (e.g., real-time chatbots, AI-powered document verification)

“Our goal is to foster a culture of experimentation and continuous learning,” notes Alagappan. “With proper governance and support, AI becomes a strategic ally in a smarter, more efficient energy future.”

By investing in hybrid capabilities, fostering purpose-driven growth, and embracing technology, the SBM Offshore India is building a resilient, agile, and future-ready workforce—one that’s poised to power the next phase of the energy transition.