Green skills, also known as skills for sustainability, are the technical skills, knowledge, values and attitudes needed in the workforce to develop and support sustainable social, economic and environmental outcomes in business, industry and the community. These skills are required for both the emerging green job sector and the greening of existing jobs across all industry sectors.
The transition to a sustainable, low carbon economy presents a significant opportunity to change the way Australia trains its workforce.
So how does this affect you as a trainer and assessor?
- You will have noticed them in revised Training Packages, and now up-skilling VET practitioners to provide effective training and facilitation in skills for sustainability is the highest priority for action under the Green Skills Agreement Implementation Plan.
- In December 2010, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations engaged consultants to undertake research into good practice in skills for sustainability professional development programs for VET practitioners. Recommendations to inform planning to meet this key objective are due in April 2011.
- There is a new unit in new Training and Education Training Package (TAE10). This unit of competency, Analyse and apply sustainability skills into learning programs (TAESUS501A).
You will find more and more resources appearing in the future to assist VET practitioners to make the most of these opportunities, and provide the skills required for learners to promote and support sustainable practices, services and advice in the workplace.
There is no doubt that new green jobs will be created as we move to a greener economy. However, it is also likely that a whole host of existing jobs will be made greener, as businesses and entire industries move to more sustainable ways of doing business. The responsibility for reducing our emissions largely rests with workers in traditional occupations working in more sustainable ways.
Green skills will be important to all industries and sectors, not just to the trades. For example:
- lawyers, accountants and economists must respond to the demand for environmental reporting and accounting practices
- trades people can advise on the latest products for a sustainable and environmentally-friendly option.
- primary producers must respond to rising input costs and land degradation.
For more information go to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).