Santos’ proposed GLNG Project will process coal seam gas (CSG) for export. The project involves an initial 3.6 million tonnes per annum (MMt/a) processing train, as well as a 435 kilometre pipeline linking a compression station at the company’s Fairview and Roma CSG fields in the Surat Basin to the liquefaction plant, to be located at Gladstone, Queensland.

Staffing LNG

Santos President of GLNG and Queensland Rick Wilkinson says the company has identified potential skilled labour shortages as one of the critical factors for the developing industry.

Moreover, with LNG still in its infancy in Australia, he notes that there will be a number of challenges associated with skilled labour.

“There will undoubtedly be high demand for LNG experience to meet the labour requirements of competing projects within Australia and Asia, so there are questions around where this labour supply will come from,” says Mr Wilkinson.

“The greatest demand for workers will be in vocational occupations with technical skills. Next are the engineers who will fill key professional and para-professional roles.”

Mr Wilkinson says significant investment in education and training will be required to ensure the future supply of skills to the industry and to attract and retain a competent workforce to regional areas.

“A skilled and capable workforce will be critical to the credibility and viability of the LNG industry in Australia. Mega projects, such as those underway in Queensland and Western Australia, have the capacity to change the landscape of the industry and it is important that the industry works with communities and educational institutions to address the workforce issues,” he says.

Santos’ solution

“No single solution will provide us with the right skills and capabilities to safely deliver our business. As a result, we have planned a range of actions to address the issue,” Mr Wilkinson says.

As well as the more traditional recruitment processes, Santos’ approach includes:

• Working with industry peers and the Queensland Government on high school-based projects that develop pathways into the CSG/LNG industry for trades, para-professionals and professionals.
• Building capabilities of selected training providers through partnerships.
• Sponsorships and support of apprentices and trainees.
• Enhancing indigenous work-ready programs.
• Significantly increasing the company’s intake of apprentices and trainees, particularly in the areas of mechanics and electrical instrumentation for apprentices and process operators for traineeships.
• Using the Santos Centre of Excellence to provide development opportunities for its current workforce.
• Expanding leadership development programs.

“Clearly the significant industry growth underway and the attendant skill shortages we have identified place pressure on achieving training and employment targets. However, Santos is committed to having the right people in the right job at the right time to achieve a safe and successful project,” concludes Mr Wilkinson.

Jobs associated with the industry include process operators, mechanics, instrument/electrical, engineers in civil, construction, petroleum and rotating equipment fields, project management and pipeline construction, among others.