Linking Training and Migration for the Green Transition

To make economies more sustainable and climate-neutral, there is a shortage of skilled workers to implement the green transformation. Projects and investments are already being postponed, and even domestic education and training cannot meet the demand for a well-trained workforce. At the same time, high-income countries in particular are under pressure to rapidly reduce their emissions. Our partner, the Center for Global Development, is working to bring training and labor migration together to meet global climate and sustainability goals. There is a global need for skilled workers with the knowledge to reduce emissions. For example, there is a shortage of people who can install basic technologies such as heat pumps or solar systems. The skills gap affects both destination and sending countries of migrant workers. Partnerships that combine the targeted training of skilled workers in sending countries with the possibility of migration and mobility to destination countries could make a helpful contribution. Such a model would have several advantages. Trained professionals would increase their employment and income opportunities. Destination countries would benefit from the trained professionals they need to implement the green transformation. Sending countries can build and expand a pool of skilled workers to implement the green transformation there or in destination countries. For example, the project will shed a light on what specific skills and competencies needed for the green transformation in destination and sending countries. It will also bring together key stakeholders in the field, such as the migration, education, and climate fields to understand the concrete barriers to thinking about training and labor migration together. The findings will be translated into practical guidance for policy makers.