A new report has found that learning provision for key occupations looks set to be affected by the continuing evolution of a low carbon and resource-efficient economy. Its authors have highlighted that demand for skilled workers is significantly dependent on environmental regulations and subsidies and governments need to do more to integrate their energy, environment and skills policies.
Undertaken by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES) for the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), the research analysed nine different job roles in eight EU member states in order to identify trends in skills needs and training and to look at the broader implications of green technologies for industry.
Entitled Green Skills and Environmental Awareness in Vocational Education and Training, the report makes policy recommendations that will help businesses take advantage of opportunities presented by the transition to a greener economy and ensure that future skills needs are met.
Dr Annette Cox, IES’s associate director and lead author of the report, says:
“It can take a long time to see pay-offs for consumers looking to invest in green and low-carbon technologies, such as solar power, and consumers are already tightly squeezed financially.
“When governments change policies and the subsidies available for these technologies, it can have a big impact on consumer demand, which in turn affects the capability of firms and training providers to plan and deliver training for the workforce. Consistency in policy is key to the successful development of these industries.
“It is worth young people considering careers in industries that may benefit from green technologies.
“These are challenging times for those entering the labour market for the first time and they would benefit from using high quality careers information, advice and guidance to help them make the most of the opportunities available in the low carbon economy”
For the full report: http://www.employment-studies.co.uk/pubs/report.php?id=cedrp24