🌎 Green Skills #9
HolonIQ is tracking reskilling and upskilling efforts as technology, decarbonization, and global dynamics reshape energy, environment, infrastructure, and mobility sectors. Targeted workforce development is key to enhancing skills, driving growth, and supporting sustainable progress.
The global labor market continues to be affected by the transition to more sustainable practices and technologies, though these green/clean industries continue to face a widening skills gap. Germany is grappling with a shortage of 200,000 skilled workers, especially in STEM fields, threatening its renewable sector.
Meanwhile, the chart below illustrates Australia’s construction industry’s robust growth over the last decade, highlighting labor shortages and the urgent need for upskilling to meet the sector’s sustainability and efficiency goals. Additionally, the UK has allocated $775M to train 60,000 construction workers by 2029 to meet net-zero goals. In Manchester, a Hydrogen Skills Framework aims to boost expertise in hydrogen technology, supporting net-zero goals.
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Green Labor Market Trends
🔬 Germany Faces 200,000-Worker Shortfall for Green Transition. Germany's green transition is threatened by a severe shortage of skilled workers, especially in the renewable sector, with over 200,000 STEM vacancies. As the workforce ages, experts warn that many workers will retire by 2035, exacerbating the gap. Sectors like construction and solar energy are particularly affected. To address this, Germany is considering reskilling, immigration, and attracting young talent, though only 4% of workers plan to reskill in the next two years.
⛏️ Queensland Tackles Mining Skills Shortage Amid Growth. Queensland’s mining sector faces a critical skills gap as the industry expects 107 major projects worth $131B by 2029, requiring 26,810 additional workers. This gap is worsened by low awareness of key mining fields among younger generations. In response, the state government is investing in workforce development programs to support sector growth. Industry efforts are also underway to attract younger talent and raise awareness of mining career opportunities.
🚙 US Import Tariffs Could Threaten 25,000 UK Car Manufacturing Jobs. The US government’s proposed 25% import tariff on cars and parts could risk over 25,000 UK automotive jobs, with major manufacturers like Jaguar Land Rover and Mini being particularly vulnerable. The UK exports 16.9% of its cars to the US, worth £7.6B. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) suggests the UK should focus on manufacturing green transport to secure future industry growth.
Number of Employees in the Construction Industry in Australia From 2013-2023
🏗️ The construction sector contributes 8%-9% of Australia’s GDP and supports interconnected industries like manufacturing and logistics.
👷 Australia's construction industry workforce experienced a robust overall growth of over 30% between 2013 and 2023.
🚧 Meanwhile, it demonstrates a rapid post-pandemic recovery and significant growth in the latter part of this period.
🏗️ Yet, Australia’s construction sector faces labour shortages, skill gaps, and cost overruns while embracing BIM, sustainability, and outsourcing for efficiency.
Upskilling/Reskilling Intiatives
👷🏻♂️ UK Allocates $775M for Construction Industry Skills to Meet Net-Zero Targets. The UK commits $775M to train up to 60,000 construction workers by 2029, supporting housebuilding and infrastructure expansion. $213M funds college courses, $129M upskills workers, and $41M backs 40,000 industry placements annually. With 38,000 vacancies in Q1 2025 and 25% of the workforce expected to retire in 10-15 years, the initiative addresses labor shortages vital for meeting housing and net-zero targets.
🚗 Nissan Doubles Investment in Skills Foundation. Nissan doubles the size of its Skills Foundation to expand STEM education, targeting 16,000 children annually. The initiative focuses on electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, advanced technologies, and sustainability, supporting the development of green talent for the automotive sector. As part of the MADE NE project, the foundation will offer hands-on learning to prepare students for the growing demand for skilled workers in EV production and sustainable transportation solutions.
☀️ GSI-SKN & GPL Launch Women in Solar Energy Training Programme. Green Solutions International SKN Inc., in partnership with Guyana Power and Light Inc., launched a training program aimed at empowering women in the solar energy sector. The programme focuses on training women in solar photovoltaic system installation, operation, and maintenance, aiming to enhance local renewable energy capacity and promote gender equality in the workforce.
Policy Initiatives
🌱 Manchester Launches Hydrogen Skills Framework to Drive Net-Zero Goals by 2038. Greater Manchester launched a Hydrogen Skills Framework to equip the workforce with the skills needed to support the region's net-zero target by 2038. The initiative aims to provide tailored training for roles in hydrogen technology, enhancing job opportunities and local expertise. By fostering a skilled workforce, the framework plays a crucial role in advancing clean energy solutions and meeting the region's ambitious sustainability goals.
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