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Fueling Industry Sees Major Age Shift, Driven by Tech-Savvy Workforce

The Petroleum Equipment Institute’s (PEI) recent industry update reveals a sweeping demographic transformation in the fueling sector’s workforce, illustrating a significant trend toward younger, tech-savvy professionals who bring a fresh approach to field operations. Between 2022 and 2024, the average age of fueling industry technicians has markedly declined, aligning with a wider adoption of digital tools and automated solutions that streamline operational efficiency.

A Rapid Demographic Shift

In 2022, the majority of the workforce—67%—was aged 50 and older, with only 33% between the ages of 20 and 50. However, in just two years, those numbers have nearly reversed. By 2024, only 16% of the workforce is 50 or older, while 84% are now in the 20 to 50 age bracket. This transformation marks the emergence of a younger workforce raised alongside the rise of digital tools and modern technological solutions, creating a natural alignment with the industry’s gradual digital evolution.

Tech-Driven Generations Lead the Change

This new generation of professionals brings both a familiarity with digital tools and an expectation of streamlined, simplified processes in their daily work. Having grown up in an era where technology is not just a tool but an essential part of daily life, these technicians are reshaping the industry’s approach to managing complex tasks, compliance tracking, and customer service.

Younger technicians tend to embrace and leverage digital tools for process automation, data-driven decision-making, and customer management. Products like PASS Training & Compliance’s PASS Tools for Service Providers, for instance, have seen rapid adoption among younger workers who recognize the value in eliminating redundancies and increasing productivity through digitalization. PASS Tools, which allow service providers to handle compliance tasks, reporting, and inspections more efficiently, are a favorite among these tech-savvy professionals. Rather than viewing digital tools as an addition, these workers view them as an integral part of achieving efficiency and excellence in the field.

Why the Shift Matters: Tech-Forward Operations

The age shift has implications that extend beyond demographics, representing a broader shift in how companies in the fueling industry operate. Traditional methods of managing underground storage tanks (USTs) and compliance protocols were often paper-intensive and required manual data logging and reporting. The newer generation, however, is bringing a fresh mindset, prioritizing efficiency and reliability through technology. For them, digital dashboards, real-time tracking, and remote management options are essential for achieving better accuracy and speed in their roles.

These professionals are quick to adopt automation solutions that simplify repetitive tasks and make reporting requirements more manageable. The industry’s shift toward digitized processes enables companies to reduce human error, improve data accuracy, and respond to compliance needs in real-time. The shift has also opened up more opportunities for companies to gather and analyze data more effectively, helping to forecast issues before they arise and refine operational practices.

Embracing Digital Training and Compliance Tools

Training in this new era is also evolving. Platforms like PASS Training & Compliance have helped technicians get up to speed with the latest compliance requirements through digital modules that offer accessibility, flexibility, and standardized learning materials. The newer generations not only complete these modules but actively seek out new courses and certifications, keen on developing a robust, adaptable skill set that meets the high standards of the evolving UST management landscape.

PASS Tools for Service Providers, for example, allows technicians to digitally document inspection findings, instantly share reports, and manage compliance records all in one system. This means fewer bottlenecks for technicians, faster compliance checks, and less reliance on paperwork. Younger technicians view such systems as integral, elevating them to a standard of efficiency that reflects broader technological trends across industries.

Industry-Wide Impacts and Future Outlook

This generational shift is indicative of larger trends within the fueling industry, where technology is expected to play an increasingly pivotal role. As younger technicians take the lead, companies are not only adapting to a more tech-oriented workforce but are finding themselves re-evaluating and upgrading their operational strategies. Those that have embraced this shift are seeing benefits in terms of productivity, compliance speed, and overall service quality.

With the younger workforce rapidly embracing tools that drive automation, companies within the fueling industry will need to remain adaptable to continue attracting skilled, innovative professionals who value efficiency and streamlined processes. PEI’s latest findings suggest that the industry’s success in the coming years will largely depend on its ability to integrate digital solutions that meet the expectations and strengths of this new generation.

As these trends continue, the fueling industry is poised to become more efficient, accurate, and proactive, guided by the tech-forward mindset of its younger workforce.

If you’re interested in seeing the best tools for this younger workforce check out PASS Tools for Service Providers.