🌎 Green Skills #2
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.
In the green workforce landscape, the global shift towards sustainability is driving a surge in demand for green expertise, outpacing workforce supply. In 2024, global demand for green skills grew by 11.6%, while supply lagged at 5.6%, with the gap projected to widen to 101.5% by 2050. As visualized below, utilities (23.1%) and construction (20.6%) lead in green job demand, underscoring the urgent need for skilled workers in energy and infrastructure. This also partly stems from the increase in construction activity as countries ramp up infrastructure spending to boost economic growth. To bridge this gap, India is investing $1.6B to upskill 6.6 million workers in green sectors. Meanwhile, Karnataka’s Clean Mobility Policy aims to generate 100,000 jobs by advancing EV adoption and battery manufacturing, accelerating the transition to a sustainable economy.
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Green Labor Market Trends
🌱 Green Skills Demand Outpacing Supply. LinkedIn's Global Climate Talent Stocktake highlighted that international demand for green skills rose by 11.6% from 2023 to 2024, while supply grew by just 5.6%. If this trend continues, the gap is expected to widen to 101.5% by 2050, with countries like the UK experiencing the highest demand. This disparity underscores the urgent need for accelerated upskilling initiatives to bridge the growing skills gap in the green energy sector.
☀️ Florida Emerges as National Leader in Solar Energy Workforce. Florida ranks among the top states for solar workforce development, with over 12,000 solar jobs and a 20% increase in solar employment over the past five years. State-led initiatives, industry investments, and training programs are expanding the talent pipeline, and strengthening the clean energy sector.
🚗 80% of UK Auto Companies Report EV Skills Shortage Amid Industry Transition. 80% of UK auto companies report an EV skills shortage, jeopardizing the 2030 petrol and diesel phase-out. The industry requires 16,000 EV-trained workers each year, but only 25% of firms feel their workforce is ready. Recruitment remains a challenge, with 66% struggling to hire EV specialists, while 55% call for government-backed training programs to bridge the gap.
Global Green Talent Demand by Industry
♻️ Utilities (23.1%) and Construction (20.6%) lead in green talent demand, reflecting high sustainability needs in energy and infrastructure.
🛢️ Oil, Gas, and Mining (19.6%) rank third, signaling the industry's transition toward greener practices.
🛍️ Retail (3.5%) and Entertainment (4.5%) have the lowest share of green-skilled job postings, indicating slower demand for green skills in these sectors.
🚜 Manufacturing (13.2%) and Farming, Ranching, and Forestry (18.4%) highlight the growing demand for green expertise in industrial production and agriculture.
Upskilling/Reskilling Intiatives
⚡ India Invests $1.6B to Upskill 6.6 Million Workers in Green Sectors. The Indian Cabinet approved the continuation and restructuring of the Skill India Programme, aiming to train millions in emerging industries, including renewable energy and sustainability sectors. With a $1.6B investment, the initiative will upskill nearly 6.6 million workers over five years, supporting India’s green transition and workforce modernization.
🚗 UK Auto Industry Invests Millions in Workforce Training for EV Shift. The UK automotive sector is investing millions in a new skills initiative to prepare workers for the electric vehicle transition. With a $749M government-backed funding package and industry-led training programs, the initiative aims to upskill thousands of workers in battery manufacturing, software development, and sustainable vehicle technologies.
🌿 Deloitte Middle East Launches Green Skills for a Green Economy. Deloitte Middle East launched ‘Green Skills for a Green Economy’ to upskill thousands of professionals in ESG, renewable energy, and climate finance. The initiative supports the region’s transition to a low-carbon economy, projected to exceed $5T globally by 2030. The program aligns with national sustainability goals, addressing the growing demand for green talent in key sectors.
Policy Initiatives
🚙 Karnataka’s Clean Mobility Policy to Create 100,000 Jobs. Karnataka's new Clean Mobility Policy aims to generate 100,000 jobs by promoting electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, and charging infrastructure. The initiative supports India's net-zero targets by boosting green mobility adoption and local manufacturing.
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