Observatory Home Economy Environment Planning Skills & Learning Public Health Culture Gloucestershire
Intelligence West Wilts & Swindon Somerset Dorset Devon Cornwall

Green Skills, Green Jobs: Opportunities for the South West Low Carbon Economy

Duration: 26 August 2009 to 27 November 2009

Downloads:

Green Skills Bulletin
Green Skills Executive Summary
Green Skills Final Report

Well, as ‘green’ is definitely the new black as far as skills are concerned, it was not difficult to choose a topic for our forthcoming Learning Theme. Green jobs and green skills are part and parcel of the low carbon agenda and also at the heart of discussions about economic recovery.

Indeed, as a recent ARUP report commissioned for the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) states, “there are compelling reasons and drivers for a green economic recovery. Confronting the mounting energy and climate change crises represents an extraordinary opportunity to reinvigorate the economy through investment in clean, sustainable, low carbon initiatives”.

The drive towards green jobs and green skills is coming from a range of directions, including: legislation to reduce carbon emissions; public sector investment into, and promotion of, more sustainable technologies, material and ways of living; companies adopting environmental policies and potential market opportunities afforded by renewable energy.

As our lead article will highlight, the issue of green skills is a complex one, yet one which, as a region, we need to understand if we are to make the most of the opportunities that may come our way. In this Bulletin we look at the emerging policy agenda in this area and the plethora of recent developments.

Our Learning Theme supports the work of the South West Regional Employment and Skills Partnership (SWRESP) and the delivery of European Social Fund (ESF). National Guidance states that ESF should have a ‘special focus on training for the new jobs that will be created as the economy recovers, especially ‘green jobs’ in a low carbon economy.’ Regional ESF Frameworks must include a commitment to this and set out specific sectors and skills that will be targeted with ESF Funding. This Learning Theme will therefore bring together policy-makers and practitioners to understand better the issue of green jobs and green skills and how these can be supported in the region.

The Learning Theme will produce up-to-date research reviews, and a workshop. Through this you’ll be able to share ideas, develop recommendations, and of course indulge in a good dose of networking.

So, if you have views about green jobs and green skills, then please do take this opportunity to get involved, have your say and influence policy in the region. Just complete the attached form and send it back to us. I hope you will be joining us for what promises to be a stimulating and timely discussion.