Reynolds Training Services has unveiled its new brand statement “Shaping Competence Together,” emphasising the critical role of workforce competence in high-hazard industries amid rapid technological and energy transitions. The initiative reflects growing industry recognition that human error accounts for 80-90 percent of accidents, with 7 percent of major safety incidents directly linked to inadequate training.
John Reynolds, leading the company’s strategic direction, highlighted the urgency of competence development in evolving industrial landscapes. The initiative addresses three major challenges reshaping high-hazard sectors: digitalisation, energy transition, and workforce transformation.
The digitalisation challenge centres on technology’s rapid advancement in industrial operations. With 26 percent of businesses already using VR/AR for training and the oil-and-gas VR market forecast to exceed $4.5 billion by 2032, companies must upskill workers to harness advanced control systems, predictive analytics, and simulation technologies effectively.
Energy transition presents new competence requirements as industries shift toward net-zero operations. The emergence of hydrogen, biofuels, CCUS, and battery systems creates fresh hazards and skill gaps that require updated curricula and qualifications designed for tomorrow’s processes rather than traditional operations.
Workforce transformation poses additional challenges, with nearly 50 percent of the power sector workforce set to retire within ten years and 43 percent of energy workers globally considering leaving the industry. This knowledge drain threatens safety standards without structured mentoring, faster onboarding, and career pathways that attract new talent.
The company has partnered with the Tank Storage Association and SIAS to redesign workforce training and development. This collaboration produced Career Pathways 2025, a structured framework linking roles, responsibilities, and training from entry-level to leadership positions. New qualifications include a Level 2 Diploma in Bulk Storage Operations and specialised awards in Process Safety Awareness, Hydrogen, and Low-Carbon Operations.
A key innovation is the Proficiency Matrix, which defines not only what workers should know but how well they should apply their knowledge. The matrix includes awareness, intermediate, advanced, and manager levels, enabling clear benchmarking of staff skills and supporting safer task allocation and tailored development programmes.
Reynolds emphasised that regulatory compliance represents the minimum standard rather than the ultimate goal. The initiative promotes a “culture of competence” where continuous learning is valued, expected, and integrated into daily operations. This approach moves beyond theoretical assessments to evaluate real understanding and practical ability across all organisational levels.
The company cited historical incidents including the 1984 Bhopal disaster and 2005 Buncefield explosion as reminders of competence failures’ consequences. These events underscore the importance of maintaining robust safety leadership and board-level competence in managing major hazards.
The initiative involves ongoing collaboration with industry bodies, employers, and educators to address sector-wide challenges. Participating companies share anonymised insights, including near-misses and implementation challenges to improve the system collectively. This approach aligns with regulatory expectations from organisations like the HSE while exceeding minimum requirements.
Looking toward 2030, Reynolds Training Services anticipates a more digital-native, diverse workforce navigating an energy system in transition. The company advocates for knowledge transfer programmes, including “retiree comeback” schemes where former employees provide part-time coaching, and partnerships with educational institutions to modernise curricula.
The broader competence ecosystem encompasses not only accident prevention but operational excellence, including reduced unplanned outages, faster innovation, greater customer trust, and competitive advantage. The UK’s tank storage sector, handling over 75 million tonnes of hazardous products annually, demonstrates how shared best practices and strong training contribute to high-reliability operations.
Reynolds Training Services positions the initiative as addressing investor, insurer, and public expectations for transparency, safety, and meaningful workforce development. Companies embracing comprehensive competence programmes are expected to attract next-generation talent while those neglecting workforce development risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive landscape.
The “Shaping Competence Together” initiative represents a sector-wide call to action involving regulators, training providers, trade associations, and operational personnel. The company emphasises that competence development requires collective effort to safeguard communities today while future-proofing industries for emerging technologies, energy systems, and risks.
For more information visit www.reynoldstraining.com
