Building India’s Green Workforce: Bridging the Green Skills Gap

India has set ambitious goals for a greener future, aiming for 50% renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

This shift touches all sectors:

• primary industries such as agriculture, renewable energy generation, etc.
• secondary fields encompassing construction, manufacturing, etc.
• tertiary sectors like transportation, textiles, etc.

This transition is estimated to create a staggering 30 million green jobs by 2050, covering roles from entry-level to leadership positions. Green careers may be entirely novel, such as those in renewable energy generation, or may involve existing positions with a sustainability focus, like sustainable construction.

A crucial question arises: where will the workforce for this transformation come from? How is the nation preparing to meet its green workforce demands? Let us find out.

Green skills: Where India stands

India's green workforce (18.5 million) is booming, with millions of jobs on the horizon. But there's a catch: the demand for green talent (8% annual growth) outpaces supply (6%).

Why the gap? The green sector's rapid growth, a workforce lacking the necessary skills, and educational institutions lagging behind industry needs are all contributing factors.

The good news? Government initiatives like the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) are fostering skills development. However, integrating green skills into core academic programmes is crucial to preparing future generations.

For the present? Companies must bridge the gap through on-the-job training or upskilling programmes.

Collaboration is key. By working together, the government, educational institutions and companies can ensure that a skilled workforce navigates India's green future.

Closing the gap: How companies are investing in green skills development

The green revolution is creating a surge of green jobs in India. But companies face a challenge: finding a skilled workforce. Luckily, innovative solutions are emerging to bridge the talent gap. A few are listed below:

Building bridges between learning and work:

• Industry-academia partnerships:

  Companies are joining forces with educational institutions to develop targeted curriculum and training programmes that equip students with the specific green skills ne

• Collaborations with non-profits and skill development organisations:

  Companies are partnering with organisations specialising in green skills development to provide training programmes and certifications for potential employees.

Growing their own green talent:

• Investing in existing employees:

  Companies are recognising the value of their existing workforce and investing in upskilling and reskilling programmes tailored to green practices.

• Cross-functional training:

  By breaking down silos within the company, companies are encouraging cross-functional training programmes. For instance, an engineer might learn from a sustainability expert and become a well-rounded green professional.

Making green a hiring priority:

• Proactive recruitment:

  Companies are actively seeking out talent with green skills. Picture job postings going beyond technical skills to specifically mention a need for "renewable energy expertise" or "sustainable manufacturing experience"—about 13% of paid job postings are doing these already.

• Prioritising sustainability awareness:

  Looking beyond just the technical skill set, companies are seeking candidates who demonstrate a passion and understanding of sustainability principles and are genuinely invested in the green mission.

Planting the seeds of green awareness:

• Public outreach and education:

  Companies are actively raising public awareness about green careers through career fairs and workshops that showcase the exciting opportunities in the green sector.

• Public outreach and education:

  Companies are highlighting their commitment to sustainability in their branding and marketing efforts—a sure-shot way to attract talent with similar green values.

By implementing these strategies, companies are not just filling positions; they are building a future-proof green workforce.

Charting the course to a greener future

“Green jobs are the hottest thing since avocado toasts” ~ Bradley Lewington, CEO of Spencer Ogden

The green movement is gaining momentum, but there is a shortage of skilled green talent. Companies are leading the charge with innovative solutions like partnerships, upskilling and targeted hiring. However, a coordinated national policy on green skills development, standardised certifications and increased training infrastructure are crucial for long-term success. Additionally, fostering gender inclusivity will unlock a diverse and powerful green workforce.

Companies can be champions of change through collaborating with policymakers and educational institutions. By building a robust green workforce, we can make the green revolution a reality!

References

• Economic Times
• Silver People
• Business insider India
• V.V. Giri National Labour Institute
• Skill Council for Green Jobs
• Economic Times
• Press Information Bureau