Bank Holiday Reading: Higher Education and the green workforce transformation - HEPI
The HEPI blog comes from a group of writers at the University of York consisting of Professor Claire Hughes who is the Associate Dean for Teaching, Learning and Students in the Faculty of Sciences and Deputy Head in the Department of Environment and Geography; Dr. Lynda Dunlop who is the Director of Education for the Environmental Sustainability Academy at York as well as a Senior Lecturer in Climate Education; Hannah Smith who is the Director of Careers and Student Systems; and Louise Thurston who is the Associate Director of Careers and Employability.
LinkedIn recently published a worldwide study on green skills and discovered that having one or more of these skills boosts your chances of employment by 29%. The demand for job applicants with green skills has increased, but the supply of qualified individuals has failed to keep up.
The key point is promoting various environmentally-friendly abilities and competencies. Even though there are varying interpretations of what constitutes green skills, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation broadly describes them as the perspectives, principles, insight, and proficiency necessary for thriving in, contributing to, and advancing a more eco-conscious community.
To achieve net zero decarbonisation and make progress in other urgent matters like protecting nature and biodiversity, mitigating climate risks, reducing waste and pollution, and adjusting societal behavior to live within the limits of our planet, it's crucial to have green skills. They're not just crucial for job-seekers but also for individuals who want to play an active role in a society working toward reduced consumption and better communal living.
The Green Jobs Taskforce established by the UK Government emphasizes the need for young people to acquire green skills before leaving the education system, so they can contribute to transforming the workforce into a sustainable one. A plan proposed by Deloitte to achieve green workforce transformation comprises having executives also take on sustainability specialist roles, implementing green skills training across all positions, enhancing skills for current roles, and forming new green entities across various sectors.
The job of Higher Education establishments in providing the necessary eco-friendly expertise to facilitate the shift towards a green labor force is frequently disregarded. Nevertheless, Universities alongside their commendable alumni have a pivotal part to perform and it is imperative that we properly communicate this message.
Numerous educational establishments in higher learning are progressing from the usual programs to fulfill the vacant spots in the eco-friendly employment world. They are introducing more varied programs that aspire to produce future leaders in sustainability. These programs combine the study of sustainable disciplines with lessons in leadership, management, and systems thinking to achieve their objective. Furthermore, there are also interdisciplinary units, such as the ones presented by the University of Leeds on the topic of Creating Sustainable Futures. These modules let students collaborate to scrutinize the consequences of lavish societies and learn to bring about transformation towards more preferable ways of life.
Moreover, a plethora of newly-developed educational initiatives concentrate on topics that are directly applicable to the environmentally-friendly work industry revolution. To illustrate, academic institutions have started offering courses in areas like engineering for net zero, carbon control, and alternative energy technology.
In addition, higher education institutions have a great opportunity to guarantee that their alumni, regardless of their field of study, are equipped with green practices and knowledge when they enter the workforce. This can be done by integrating courses and programs centered around sustainability in all fields of study, from eco-friendly technology, healthcare, and construction to promoting environmental awareness in classroom instruction. This initiative is a response to a worldwide study showcasing that 80% of individuals aspire to address climate change in their jobs.
Although many universities are still in the process of implementing sustainability education, it is expected that this movement will gain momentum quickly because action is becoming more urgent, better guidance (such as from QAA) is available, and students are demanding it. Additionally, universities are being held more accountable through means such as ranking lists, which will motivate them to show their dedication to providing all students with environmentally conscious skills and understanding.
Colleges and universities are in a prime position to offer environmental training programs for those who are already working and seeking to enhance their skills. By collaborating with academic institutions, industries can ensure a smooth and accelerated process in implementing sustainability research into daily operations.
Higher Education institutions play an important role in helping people acquire new skills. They are able to do this by offering a variety of programs, including shorter courses like microcredentials. These types of courses can be completed quickly and offer flexible education for sustainable purposes. One example of this is the Open University's 'Climate change: transforming your organization for sustainability' program. Through this program, individuals can develop key skills needed to drive organizational change in a short amount of time.
Starting a business is crucial for creating a sustainable workforce that prioritizes the environment, and universities play a major role in producing innovative leaders. Adding entrepreneurship modules into academic subjects like eco-friendly chemical production and agriculture can help graduates gain the necessary expertise, competence, and inspiration to establish enterprises that address sustainability issues. The 'Year in Enterprise' program at the University of York is an excellent illustration of how higher education institutions assist learners in honing entrepreneurship abilities.
Career Services at universities are very important. They offer help with finding job opportunities like internships and placements in green industries. They also provide valuable advice on how to get a job in that field. It's not just about finding jobs in green industries though. Even in other industries, it's important to have skills and knowledge that help protect and improve the environment. Career Services can also work with employers to find out what skills are needed in the green industry and even host events to connect students with professionals in the field.
Collaborating across different institutions is very important. At the University of York, scholars and the Careers Service joined forces to set up a Sustainability Clinic that allows learners to engage with potential employers about sustainability matters. These types of projects assist in getting graduates ready to take part in the necessary shift towards a more eco-friendly workforce. Moreover, they also help in fostering purposeful alliances between the university and outside groups in the area.
The most recent findings from the IPCC suggest that we have very little time left to create a future that is both sustainable and suitable for all. Progress is not happening quickly enough to keep up with the changes we need to make. It is important to include universities when discussing how to address the shortage of individuals with green skills in the workforce. Furthermore, every level of education must work together to address the misinformation and misconceptions that exist regarding green jobs.
It is important to concentrate on motivating and molding the upcoming generation and preparing them with environmentally friendly beliefs and abilities. This is the necessary push that is required. A common perspective is that achieving a transformation in the workforce towards green practices will demand cooperation from every sector of government, industry, and education. Universities ought to be included in this effort and have a vital role to play.
In the future, it is crucial that:
