Education systems need to integrate green skills development at every level, say experts
Chennai:In order to equip India’s current and future workers to thrive in a greener economy, education systems have to be integrated with green skills development at every level- from primary school curricula to mid-career reskilling and upskilling programmes, finds World Bank.
Several economies worldwide, including India, are pushing for cleaner growth and a greener future. As more countries shift toward renewables and sustainable practices, demand for so-called “green jobs” is expected to rise sharply. But these ambitions rest on one crucial factor—skills, WB said in a report.
Both current and future workers will need to be equipped to thrive in a greener economy, and education systems will need to integrate green skills development at every level—from primary school curricula to mid-career reskilling and upskilling programs. The success of the green transition hinges heavily on how effectively education systems can adapt, embracing lifelong learning to keep pace with the rapidly changing greener economy.
Green skills are not just for engineers or scientists, they are essential for workers across sectors. From farmers implementing water-saving and climate-smart agricultural techniques to logistics managers optimizing supply chains to reduce waste, and workers engaged in manufacturing, operating, and maintaining electric vehicle powertrains, these skills are critical for a sustainable future.
India is already taking steps to meet this challenge. In 2015, it established the Skill Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ) as part of its National Skill Development Mission. This industry-led body is responsible for aligning skills with the growing demand in key green sectors, including renewable energy, sustainable development, and environment, forest, and climate change. SCGJ’s emphasis on standardization and accreditation seeks to ensure that India's current and future workforce is trained to meet national standards as well as to compete in the global green economy.
As of June 2024, SCGJ has developed 77 nationally approved qualifications across various sectors, including renewable energy, waste and water management, clean cooking, ecotourism, forestry, and sustainability. These skills are being imparted by more than 900 affiliated education and training institutions across the country, while e-learning systems enable some training to be conducted virtually.
More than 560,000 candidates have been trained so far, and on the educator side, a nationwide network of 4,717 certified trainers and 756 certified assessors has been developed.
