The midstream energy industry is facing a growing challenge: a nationwide skilled labor shortage. As experienced workers retire and fewer new entrants enter the energy workforce, pipeline operators are struggling to fill essential roles in field services, inspections, permitting, and compliance. Left unaddressed, this shortage can lead to project delays, compliance risks, and increased costs.
Fortunately, integrated O&M providers like Percheron, LLC are helping clients overcome this gap with scalable, multi-disciplinary teams, strategic resource allocation, and proven workforce solutions. By consolidating essential services and streamlining operations, Percheron allows pipeline operators to continue delivering energy reliably—despite a shrinking labor pool.
Understanding the Labor Shortage in Midstream
The current labor crunch has been fueled by:
- An aging workforce with fewer qualified replacements
- Increased regulatory complexity requiring specialized knowledge
- Remote worksite locations with limited local talent pools
- Competition with other industries like renewables and tech
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the oil and gas workforce has not yet rebounded to pre-2020 levels, despite growing energy demand. That makes integrated staffing solutions more important than ever.
The Power of Multi-Disciplinary Field Teams
Percheron solves this challenge by deploying cross-trained field teams capable of handling multiple scopes of work. These multi-disciplinary crews reduce the need for large, specialized workforces by providing overlapping skill sets across:
- Right-of-way (ROW) maintenance
- Environmental monitoring
- Surveying and GIS
- Landowner coordination
- Regulatory compliance tracking
Instead of bringing in separate vendors or teams for each task, Percheron’s integrated crews can execute multiple phases of the project—saving time, reducing labor needs, and increasing efficiency.
Key Benefits:
- Fewer people on-site without sacrificing productivity
- Lower per-project labor costs
- Reduced need for specialized subcontractors
- Quicker onboarding and deployment
Real-Time Communication and Flexibility
Integrated teams also benefit from better internal communication and shared technology platforms. With field crews, land agents, and compliance specialists working in sync, tasks are executed more efficiently and redundancies are eliminated.
In one recent project, Percheron reduced labor headcount by 18% while maintaining 100% of scheduled deliverables—simply by consolidating roles and streamlining communication between departments.
Skilled labor shortages may be a reality, but they don’t have to be a barrier. Integrated O&M providers like Percheron are helping pipeline operators navigate this new landscape by delivering multi-disciplinary support, reducing project complexity, and eliminating the need for redundant contractors.
With a leaner, smarter, and more agile workforce, midstream companies can continue building and maintaining the infrastructure that powers America—without slowing down.