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How developing skills for sustainability can help benefit young workers as well as the environment

Abstract

‘Green jobs’ are the jobs of the future – and vital for transitioning to a lower carbon economy. A systemically green approach to industry and commerce brings environmental benefits and may encourage disengaged and unemployed young people to enter the workforce. Green jobs are often understood to be those that have a direct impact on our environment. For example, in reducing carbon emissions, developing alternative energy sources or reducing water usage. In fact, green jobs are those embracing ‘skills for sustainability’ and with an inbuilt sensitivity to the needs of the environment. Such skills should be embedded in all jobs in all sectors in the 21st Century. In Australia, every one of the country’s 450,000 apprentices and trainees (including those in automotive and construction) has at least one sustainability module embedded in their training programme.  Within the next 10 years, every job, regardless of whether or not it is within the environmental sphere, should incorporate sustainability skills: every industry has the potential to be greener.

Like many countries, Australia faces high youth unemployment and disengagement. It has had limited success creating awareness amongst employers and educational institutions about the importance of skills for sustainability. There is still a gap between the needs of the environment and the country’s economic drivers. Young people are amongst those most motivated to protect and preserve the environment; does skilling for sustainability present an opportunity to employ and engage more young people in work they will find meaningful and fulfilling?  Finding apprentices and trainees with an interest in skills for sustainability enables employers to develop the people they need to help them face the challenges of an increasingly green economy. Committing to developing skills for sustainability and creating greener jobs that attract and engage young people is the way forward for the economies that will lead the world tomorrow.

‘Green jobs’ are the jobs of the future – and are vital for transitioning to a lower carbon economy.

Early research has shown that young Australians are amongst those most motivated to protect and preserve the environment. Do you believe working in a environmentally sustainability workplace would offer you more meaningful and fulfilling work? ??As part of a national survey, we would like to hear from you. The Survey will take around 5 minutes. This investment in your time may help shape policy and direction in Australian workplaces.

Click here to complete our 5 min Survey

Your survey will remain anonymous (there is an opportunity to discuss your thoughts further should you wish)
Thankyou in advance?The Greenskills Research Team

WPC Group – Proud Partner of National Skills Week – October 1-8, 2011 National Skills Week is a new initiative, a collaborative approach dedicated to raising the status of practical and vocational learning, enabling all Australians to gain a greater understanding of the opportunities, their potential and how they contribute to a successful, modern green economy. Learning by doing is as important as academic learning – there are many paths to success.

WPC Group are dedicated to providing such pathways to those seeking a skilled career and look forward to launching numerous exciting initiatives as a part of National Skills Week. Watch this space…..

WPC Group CEO Nicholas Wyman and General Manager Joanne Gedge were in Washington to Celebrate 100 Years of Apprenticeships in the United States recently.  The event hosted by Department of Labor Secretary Solis was at the National Mall with Capital Hill in the background. Secretary Solis is a recognized leader on clean energy jobs and she authored the Green Jobs Act providing funding for “green” collar job training in the United States.

Before the official proceedings, attendees had the opportunity to see some hands on interactive displays that set the scene for several moving accounts from young people on how apprenticeships changed their lives. WPC CEO Nicholas Wyman said “The celebration at the National Mall has raised the status and importance of Apprenticeships and Skilled workers to the US economy”.

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The global low carbon economy wave has attracted attention from almost all walks of life. Particularly after the UNFCCC Copenhagen Conference 2009 (COP-15), those involved are not just limited to the people involved in policy on economic levels, but include almost every community from politics to technology and the general public. Currently, “low carbon” has become one of the most common phrases in daily life. The conference is titled,  “ Leading the Green Economy, Returning to Harmony with Nature.”  will be held in Dalian, China at the World Exposition Centre.
 
Nicholas Wyman will present on efforts in Australia to stimulate employers and education institutions over the last decade have had mixed results. There is still a clear knowledge gap between the Environment and Economics. Universities and Vocational Training institutions are struggling to include green skills in their education.  With record high youth unemployment and disengagement,  can our young people be engaged and trained in green skills ?
 
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