Cedefop’s latest study Skills for a low carbon Europe suggest that a more sustainable and energy efficient economy can be achieved at the same time as employment growth; but to do so requires greater integration of climate and energy polices with measures to support employment and skills development.
The greening of the European economy will have profound effects on both the European labour market and on the need for development of the green skills of the European workers and population. One key policy driver is the 20:20:20 target set by the European Parliament and Council: reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% compared to 1990; generate 20% of energy from renewable resources and save 20% in energy consumption. The vision of a low carbon Europe, its implications for changing skills, and the potential rôle of VET, form the focus of the new project.
Evidence is presented from 16 case studies of VET to identify lessons from good practice in four domains (wind power, solar thermal heating, low carbon road freight and public buildings). The study highlights the common elements to an effective response namely, social dialogue and collaboration between a variety of government representatives and social partners. In particular, workplace learning provision for green skills is critical as the increasing rate of change in skills needs, at least in some sectors, will require regular updating of workforce skills. This also means that national, institutionally-led, responses need to be complemented by more flexible and dynamic responses at sectoral, local and/or regional levels.
A briefing note outlining the key findings from the study is available for download from here.
The main report will be available from late June, 2013.