No one behind!
Digital and ecological competences for vulnerable people
The No One Behind! project aims to contribute to the socio-professional inclusion of vulnerable people in the digital and environmental transition we are currently experiencing. The e-learning platform developed as part of the project will have as its audience adult people who, for economic, social, cultural, geographical or health reasons face obstacles that prevent them from having effective access to job opportunities.
This platform will be designed and developed by a team of European partners with complementary expertise on the subject. It will be available online free of charge and will provide vulnerable people with basic digital and ecological skills as well as vocational guidance specifically related to green jobs: what are the most sought-after jobs in the field, what skills they require, what positions and salary prospects they offer, etc.
The project will contribute to the socio-professional inclusion of vulnerable people in the unprecedented digital and environmental transition we are currently experiencing.
The target groups are adult people who, for economic, social, cultural, geographical or health reasons, a migrant background, or for reasons such as disability and educational difficulties or for any other reasons face obstacles that prevent them from having effective access to job opportunities.
The consortium will develop an e-learning platform that will provide vulnerable people with basic digital and ecological skills as well as vocational guidance specifically related to green jobs: what are the most sought-after jobs in the field, what competences they require, what positions and salary prospects they offer, etc.
The main activities will be
The main results will be the e-learning platform, the national and international reports on the platform experimentation and the new digital and ecological skills acquired by the target groups during the training sessions, their better knowledge of the labour market and the new opportunities of the green jobs. Other significant outcomes will be the communication tools (project website, leaflets, newsletters) and promotional events developed throughout the project lifetime.
Patricia Urban and her colleagues' 2023 report, "Jobs for the Green Transition," delves deeply into green jobs, or those that benefit the environment. They describe how the COVID-19 pandemic and other world crises are making these jobs more crucial. We believe the report gives a well structured discussion of green jobs and the context of the green transition, together with policy examples. We summarize their conclusions and ideas here, and you can access the full report here.
Getting to Know Green Jobs
The report stresses how important green jobs are for moving the economy toward activities that are better for the environment. Green jobs are different because they require non-standard cognitive abilities, more formal education, and a lot of training on the job. Because of this, we need to know more about which jobs might be affected by or help with the greening processes. Even though international organizations and academics have come up with different definitions, there is still no single way to classify and measure these jobs.
A Different Way to Classify Green Jobs
The researchers suggest a new way to look at green jobs that considers everything from the company’s impact on the environment to the kind of tasks each worker does. They also want to start looking at the environmental impact of the materials used in these jobs. However, they find it hard to gather all the needed information and to keep up with how fast the job market changes.
The Role of Digital Jobs
Digital jobs, or jobs related to technology, are also highlighted as important for supporting green jobs. As technology progresses, it can help make other industries greener and more sustainable. This area needs more exploration to better understand how technology and green jobs can work together.
Implications for policy and social issues
On the policy front, there is a noticeable emphasis on developing
sector-specific skills to foster green jobs. But this way of thinking might make it harder to understand how the green transition will affect things in a bigger picture. The report wants assessments to be more thorough and look at both direct and indirect effects on workers across all industries. Also, social factors need to be taken into account right away to make sure that the switch to a green economy is fair for everyone and doesn't hurt vulnerable groups more than others.
To harness the full potential of green jobs, the following strategies are recommended:
1. Developing an Integrated Framework: Establish a comprehensive classification system that includes all aspects of green jobs, from environmental impacts to social equity.
2. Enhancing Data Collection and Measurement:Improve the availability and granularity of data related to material inputs and green job metrics to refine the taxonomy and make it more actionable.
3. Bridging Digital and Green Divides: Explore the intersections between digital technology and green jobs to foster sectors that are both innovative and sustainable.
4. Fostering Sector-Wide and Inter-Sectoral Training: Expand re- and upskilling programs beyond sector-specific boundaries to prepare a workforce capable of adapting to diverse environmental challenges.
5.Prioritizing Social Justice: Integrate social policies that prevent the marginalization of vulnerable workers and ensure equitable benefits from the green transition.
INFOREF participated in the inaugural evening of the REAL LAB, Research in Economics and Law Laboratory, at the Higher Education Institution HELMo. Topic of the conference: "The social economy, driver of social and ecological transition", delivered by the advisor of the rector of the University of Liège for green and social transition. During the walking dinner, two representatives of INFOREF had the opportunity to meet participants interested in the No on behind project. Some of them could become associated partners in the project.
The green transition is a global phenomenon that is reshaping the economy and the workforce. As countries and businesses move towards a more sustainable future, there is a growing demand for green jobs.
Green jobs are defined as jobs that contribute to the protection of the environment or the promotion of sustainable development. They can be found in a wide range of sectors, including energy, transportation, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.
According to a recent study by the International Labour Organization, the global green economy is expected to create 24 million new jobs by 2030. The study also found that green jobs are more likely to be good quality jobs, with higher wages and better working conditions.
Some of the most in-demand green jobs include:
In addition to these traditional green jobs, there are also a number of emerging green jobs that are becoming increasingly important. These include:
The green transition is creating new opportunities for workers in a wide range of sectors. As the demand for green jobs continues to grow, workers with the right skills and training will be in high demand.
Here are some tips for getting a green job:
The green transition is a positive force for change that is creating new opportunities for workers around the world. By getting the right education and training, you can be well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities and build a successful career in the green economy.
The No One Behind! project goes in line with the latest news on EU intentions to open an EU Talent Pool which can help match employers in the EU with jobseekers from non-EU countries. It shall, inter alia, help find measures simplifying qualifications’ recognition procedures that can help promote student and labour market mobility.
More details can be found in the following document.
No One Behind! is now truly on track!
On the 24th and 25th of October 2023, Inforef received representatives of Asteres (Italy), BEST (Austria), KEK (Greece) and SKD (Turkey) to kickstart project activities and plan our forthcoming work. They discussed the need analysis they carried out in their own country and decided on the topics and features of the future training platform.
Mont-Saint-Martin 45, 4000, Liège
https://inforef.be/INFOREF is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 1987. Its staff of 10 people is specialised in ICT for educational purpose and in European project writing and management.
It creates websites and interactive material for educational purpose, trains teachers to use ICT in an educational context, and participates in European education projects.
Mariahilfer Straße 8, 1070 Vienna
https://www.best.at/BEST is an independent Austrian organisation for providing continuous training, vocational qualification and career services. Its main activities comprise the development of innovative training programmes for young (+16) individuals and adults, many of them disadvantaged and with migration background, on continuous and vocational training, counselling & coaching and activation for job seekers and employees.
Spazio Modigliani - Via A. Modigliani 23, 60019 Senigallia (AN)
https://asteres.it/ASTERES is a cooperative society whose aims are: fostering citizens’ 21st century competences and lifelong learning through the creation of innovative teaching and learning methodologies; raising awareness of international issues; promoting a common sense of belonging to the European Union.
9 Koronaiou str., 71201 Heraklion
https://www.katartisi.gr/The Technical Institute of Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an experienced provider of training on professional development and vocational training and offers courses on tourism, soft skills and digital skills development, clustering and networking, funding opportunities circular economy...
Via Flat İşmerkezi, Beştepe Mah. Nergiz Sokak No:7/2-28 Yenimahalle/Ankara
https://www.surdurulebilir.orgSustainable Development Association was established to support the rights-based work to take the necessary steps to have sustainable development in Turkey with a holistic approach. Therefore, our general work areas are; fight against poverty and hunger, quality education, gender equality, reduction of inequalities, sustainable cities, and living areas, renewable energy, responsible consumption and production, health, climate action, conflict prevention, peace and justice, partnerships with various stakeholders for the goals as mentioned above.