Smart hiring for a sector in transition

The energy transition, digitisation and sustainability are putting the sector under considerable pressure. At the same time, there is a structural staff shortage, increasing tariff pressure and a dynamic labour market in which loyalty is low.

Sector insights in 2025

The energy chain comprises 5,000 companies and 120,000 employees.
51% of Dutch electricity comes from renewable sources.
There is a shortage of 29,500 to 39,000 professionals, especially in network management and distribution.
Digitisation, licensing processes and network congestion require flexible labour.

What is happening in the sector?

The market for external talent in energy, telecom and IT is changing rapidly. Since 2023, the proportion of working professionals in this sector has been structurally higher than average. Nevertheless, many organisations are struggling with low sector loyalty, high turnover and technical and digital roles that are difficult to fill. Some notable trends from 2025:

  • High inflow, low seniority: only 51% of professionals have senior work experience.
  • Supply doubled: the number of offers for assignments has increased by 400% since 2022, putting pressure on rates and selection.
  • Lowest hourly rates: software developers are on average €5/hour below market rates.
  • Low sector loyalty: only 1 in 10 professionals consciously choose this sector for the long term.

This dynamic calls for smart solutions, clear contracts and attractive propositions.

Logo Asset
Logo Asset
Logo Asset
Logo Asset
Logo Asset

Our approach: fast, scalable and focused on retention

HeadFirst offers clients direct access to a network of more than 50,000 professionals – from engineers and data experts to project managers and software developers. We combine technological support with sector knowledge to help clients with:

  • Fast and scalable recruitment of hard-to-find digital and technical profiles
  • Positioning and propositions to remain attractive to young, scarce talent
  • Real-time insight into rate pressure, trends and performance via our Striive platform
  • Advice on retention and conversion: from sustainable employability to onboarding and career development
  • Tight contract security: including ESG assessment, GDPR compliance and supplier selection

Everything to keep your organisation agile and attractive in a tight labour market.

Our clients value HeadFirst for:

  • The largest network of technical and digital talent in the Netherlands
  • Full control over hiring via technology and tooling
  • Compliant and ESG-focused supplier management
  • Guidance on sourcing, onboarding and retention
  • Sector-specific account and recruitment teams
  • Proactive market approach via talent pools and tender calendars