The OECD report “Greening Vocational Education and Training” explores how vocational education and training (VET) systems can support the green transition by aligning skills development with sustainable economic goals. The green transition is reshaping labour markets by increasing demand for skills that support sustainable practices, creating new occupations, and altering existing ones. VET systems are uniquely positioned to facilitate this transformation by responding to evolving skill needs and fostering innovation. Green occupations fall into distinct categories: new and emerging roles that require novel skill sets, existing roles that require upskilling due to greener practices, and traditional roles with increased demand due to a shift toward sustainability.
VET graduates play a significant role in green occupations, especially those requiring mid-level technical skills. However, they are under-represented in high-skill, emerging green roles typically occupied by tertiary graduates. Higher-level VET programs show potential in bridging this gap by equipping learners with advanced technical and analytical competencies.
Key skills in demand include: technical knowledge in engineering, construction and environmental science, as well as interpersonal skills like leadership and communication. Training and reskilling are essential for VET graduates, particularly those in roles affected by the green transition, such as GHG-intensive occupations. Unfortunately, these workers often have lower participation rates in training, raising concerns about preparedness and potential displacement.
Policy recommendations include regularly updating VET curricula, expanding access to continuous education, and integrating STEM and soft skills across training levels. Additionally, career guidance and efforts to overcome gender stereotypes in STEM are crucial to fully harness VET’s potential in supporting a fair and inclusive green economy.