That's the call from the International Gas Union, which has found the industry at large needs an image "makeover" to help address the widening age gap in the industry and make up a shortfall in skilled workers.

Gas industry advisor Barbara Jinks will be presenting the research findings to the Australasian Oil & Gas Conference in Perth on February 20-22, which investigated the issues surrounding talent attraction and retention in 25 countries.

"The research concluded that to be more attractive, the gas industry needs a ‘makeover' in the form of a co-ordinated marketing campaign to communicate the industry's career benefits," Jinks said.

Jinks also said the research confirmed that a major demographical change was on the way for the Australian industry, with as many as two-thirds of the workforce planning to retire within the next 15-20 years.

The International Gas Union research included a consideration of a variety of factors, including the perception of a career in gas operations by older and younger generations, evidence of an age/skills gap, recruitment, retention, training and knowledge management.

Jinks' AOG Conference presentation will include case studies demonstrating how the implementation of a workforce management model contributes to improved levels of employee satisfaction, increased recruitment and retention, lower voluntary turnover, reduced stress and incidents, and increased company profit.

She said she hoped delegates would leave the conference with the realisation that "maintaining an adequate workforce in the gas industry is achievable with effort, planning and a willingness to look at the issues".

Australia's largest oil and gas event, AOG will take place at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from 20-22 February 2013. To register or for more program details visit ref=http://www.aogexpo.com.au target=_blank>www.agoexpo.com.au