Why Do We Need Green VET?

Besides some common measures such as the use of energy-efficient building projects, the introduction of energy-saving equipment, there are numerous specific actions that vocational education institutes or enterprises can undertake on their greening path. We share the most often mentioned recommendations (some of them can be found here).

Recommendations to vocational training institutes

• Identify specific knowledge and skills applicable to specific sectors, to the integration of transversal skills linked to the awareness about climate change and resources, sustainable development, and business efficiency
• Develop curricula and programmes that include and mainstream green skills for climate-relevant occupations. This might include the development of climate protective modules for training courses and the support to education for specifically climate protecting occupations.
• Sometimes it can be more efficient to add modules to existing training courses which address climate protection (the energy use of resources, the reduction of waste etc.).
• Facilitate training opportunities for staff (teachers, cooperative training coordinators, administrative staff, and others) about implementing green principles and practices. Support technical and vocational education practitioners to improve their understanding and implementation of education for sustainable development using a whole-institution approach to greening.
• Ensure that COVID-19 measures at education centres also promote a green way of life among staff and students, always ensuring their safety and health.
• Promote green mobility exchanges.

Recommendations to enterprises

• Promote a green culture in their sectors/industries/enterprises.
• Facilitate the upskilling and reskilling of employees in industries dealing with the green economy and the entire workforce concerning green competencies, policies, standards, etc. In this respect, key issues are energy efficiency, energy production, and sector coupling.
• Introduce work standards and principles in line with the UN 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals
• Prioritize collaboration with stakeholders that respect sustainability principles and the environment. For instance, opt to cooperate with vocational training institutes that are committed to environmental protection.

To learn more about successful responses to the greening-related challenges implemented by different institutions, try out here.