Green Collar Job-Ready Workforce

Reskill existing or hire new?

The green economy will require new labour market skills, profiles, qualifications, and training. Companies will need to prepare their workforce for the upcoming sustainable changes. But the big question arises whether to reskill the existing workforce or to hire new people for the emerging green economy.

Both reskilling existing workers and hiring new talent can be effective strategies for filling the growing demand for green jobs. The best approach will depend on each organisation’s specific needs and circumstances. Reskilling the existing workforce has several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, fostering loyalty etc.

Hiring new talent, on the other hand, can bring new perspectives, skills, and ideas to an organisation. Hiring new talent can also assist organisations in diversifying their workforce and gaining access to a larger talent pool. Furthermore, new talent can bring skills that the organisation needs to acquire, such as experience in a specific area of renewable energy technology or environmental policy.

Initiatives taken by Indian Government to upskill the workforce

The Indian government has taken several initiatives to upskill the workforce for Green Collar jobs. Here are some of the key initiatives:

• National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC): The NSDC is a public-private partnership promoting youth green jobs by developing skills in various sectors, including renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. NSDC develops and implements skill development programs to promote green jobs in India by leveraging the expertise of training providers, industry associations, and other stakeholders.
• National Action Plan for Climate Change: The Indian government’s National Action Plan for Climate Change focuses on creating a skilled workforce for the green economy. The plan includes initiatives such as the Green Skill Development Program, which provides training in solar energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management.
• National Solar Mission: The National Solar Mission aims to promote the use of solar energy in India and create job opportunities in the solar energy sector. The mission includes initiatives such as the Surya Mitra program, which provides training for solar photovoltaic technicians.
• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture: The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture focuses on building the skills of farmers and agricultural workers in sustainable farming practices.

Conclusion

Green-collar jobs are becoming increasingly important as the world addresses climate change and seeks sustainable solutions. The demand for skilled workers in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture is growing. Building a job-ready workforce for the green economy is critical and requires collaboration and investment in skills development across the board. Organisations can choose either to reskill their existing workforce or hire new talent for the green economy, with each approach having its advantages, but action and momentum are imperative to keep in step with the future that is already here.