🌎 Green Skills #3
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. In the renewable sector, 60% of companies struggle to fill skilled roles, with engineering and technical vacancies making up 68% of unfilled positions. To address this, companies are increasingly investing in skills development, with India’s Adani Group, for example, investing $230M in an academy focused on green skills, and training professionals in renewable energy, hydrogen, and decarbonization.
Meanwhile, Europe’s auto industry advocates for policies strengthening workforce skills to support its green transition. Germany’s EV workforce experienced a 3% drop in growth during 2022-2023 mirrors the global market which saw high volatility, further emphasizing workforce sensitivity to market fluctuations. The rebound to 7.13% in 2023-2024 signals renewed demand for EV expertise, reinforcing the need for sustained investment in reskilling as the industry navigates cyclical shifts.
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Green Labor Market Trends
💡 Renewables Sector Faces Hiring Crisis as Workforce Gap Widens. Hiring challenges persist in the renewable energy sector, with 60% of companies struggling to fill skilled roles. Engineering and technical positions account for 68% of unfilled vacancies. Additionally, 74% of firms cite a lack of specialized training as a major barrier to recruitment. As global renewable energy capacity is set to expand significantly, addressing this talent gap is critical to meeting sustainability targets.
🛢️ Chevron to Cut 15-20% of Global Workforce in Restructuring. Chevron is set to lay off 15-20% of its global workforce as part of a restructuring effort to streamline operations and improve efficiency. The job cuts will primarily affect its technical and business segments, with thousands of employees expected to be impacted. This move comes amid shifting energy market dynamics and Chevron’s focus on optimizing costs and prioritizing high-return projects.
YoY Growth in Share of Automotive Workforce with EV Skills in Germany, 2020-2024
📈 Germany's EV-skilled workforce saw steady growth, peaking at 9.08% in 2021-2022, reflecting a strong electrification push.
🚘 Growth slowed to 6.15% in 2022-2023, aligning with a decline in EV sales following the phase-out of subsidies. However, workforce growth rebounded to 7.13% in 2023-2024, suggesting continued investment in EV talent despite a further drop in sales.
🏢 The 3% decline in EV workforce growth in 2022-2023 was primarily driven by the abrupt end to government subsidies including the phase-out of the buyers’ premium and support for electric company cars.
Upskilling/Reskilling Intiatives
📚 Adani Group Launches $230M Academy for Green Skills. Adani Group invests $230M in a new academy focused on next-gen green skills. The institution trains professionals in renewable energy, hydrogen, and decarbonization technologies, addressing India’s growing demand for sustainability expertise.
⚡ Scottish College Secures $5M for Green Skills Transition Centre. A Scottish college secures $5M to establish a Skills Transition Centre, supporting workforce development in renewable energy and sustainability. The facility will provide specialized training to equip workers with skills for the green economy.
🚢 Seaspan Invests $2M in Indigenous Marine Training. Seaspan commits $2M to support Indigenous marine training programs, enhancing workforce opportunities in shipbuilding and maritime industries. The initiative focuses on skill development, employment pathways, and long-term career growth for Indigenous communities.
🔋 Al-Futtaim Automotive Certifies Over 1,500 EV Specialists, Setting Global Benchmark. Al-Futtaim Automotive became the first company to certify over 1,500 electric vehicle (EV) specialists, establishing a global standard for EV workforce training. This initiative enhances technical expertise in EV maintenance and supports the region’s transition to sustainable mobility.
Policy Initiatives
🚗 European Auto Industry Backs Policies for Future-Proof Workforce. Europe’s automotive sector advocates for policies strengthening workforce skills to support the industry’s green and digital transition. Key priorities include expanding training programs, integrating digital competencies, and ensuring a just transition for workers amid evolving mobility technologies.
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