Falling through the cracks? Skilling, reskilling and upskilling for job transitions

Abstract

Although the transition towards a more climate-neutral economy is likely to be net employment positive, this is of no consolation to those who may lose their jobs in the process. Moreover, the types and levels of skills that will be needed raise questions about the employment opportunities of some demographic groups. New and emerging jobs in growing sectors require different sets of technical and core (soft) skills. People who are at risk of losing their jobs need to be reskilled. Access to training for women, young people and disadvantaged groups will facilitate their access to green jobs. The full employment potential of green transition cannot be realized if effective training and active labour market policy measures are not implemented. This chapter centres on rethinking skills and lifelong learning for all ages, sectors, geographies and income levels in light of green structural transformation, and the integration of training with other key policy areas to facilitate job transitions.