Empowering Unemployed Youth with Market Demand Skills in Green Jobs

BACKGROUND

As the world faces environmental challenges such as climate change, natural resource depletion and pollution, sustainable development is becoming increasingly important. India has made significant progress in sustainable development in recent years by promoting renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving access to clean water and sanitation. One of the key initiatives by India towards sustainability is the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP).

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC ) launched GSDP in 2017 which is implemented through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). The programme aims to create a pool of skilled and certified workforce in the environment and forest sector, including biodiversity conservation, pollution management, and renewable energy. It focuses on providing training and certification in various “Green Skills” to the youth, particularly from rural and underprivileged communities for sustainable development of the country.

Green skills refer to the knowledge, abilities, and expertise required to develop and implement environmentally sustainable solutions in various industries and sectors. These skills are related to environmental protection, renewable energy like solar and wind energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and other areas that support sustainable development.

Most skill training programs focus on mechanical/technical skills rather than ‘soft’ or ‘green’ skills. Green skills contribute to preserving or restoring environmental quality for a sustainable future and include jobs that protect ecosystems and biodiversity, reduce energy, and minimize waste and pollution. In line with the Skill India Mission of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) utilizing the vast network and expertise of ENVIS Hubs/RPs, has taken up an initiative for skill development in the environment and forest sector to enable India's youth to get gainful employment and/or self-employment, called the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP). The program endeavors to develop green skilled workers having technical knowledge and commitment to sustainable development, which will help in the attainment of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs), as well as Waste Management Rules (2016).

According to an analysis by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, India will potentially create 3.4 million jobs in the sunrise sectors of solar and wind energy by 2030, 1.2 million in the electric vehicle transition by 2030, and another 1.8 million in the servicing industry for sustainable cooling solutions by 2037. Similar high job potential also exists in other emerging green sectors of biofuels, circular economy of waste and nature-based solutions.

The candidates will also be trained in soft skills and MS Office (Word, Power Point Presentation & Excel,) to equip them with skills that will enable them to work effectively and that will help them with personal and professional growth.

PROJECT RATIONALE

Green jobs are quality employment opportunities across various economic sectors (e.g., agriculture, industry, services, administration) that play a crucial role in preserving, restoring, and enhancing environmental quality. Green jobs reduce the environmental impact of enterprises and economic sectors by improving the efficiency of energy, raw materials, and water; de-carbonizing the economy and bringing down emissions of greenhouse gases; minimizing or avoiding all forms of waste and pollution; protecting or restoring ecosystems and biodiversity; and supporting adaptation to the effects of climate change. Green jobs serve a dual purpose by positively impacting the environment while also creating livelihood opportunities for individuals.

The transition to a green(er) economy requires new skills. Skills needed for the newly emerging jobs and skills needed for the adjusted existing jobs. Without a suitably trained workforce the transition will be impossible. Skills gaps and shortages are already recognized as a major bottleneck in several sectors, such as renewable energy, energy and resource efficiency, renovation of buildings, construction, environmental services, and manufacturing. The use of clean technology requires skills in technology application, adaptation, and maintenance. The availability of workers and enterprises with the right skills for green jobs plays not only a critical role in initiating the transition to a green economy, but also in enabling a just transition that ensures social inclusion and decent work. Employers investing in new technologies need to be able to find workers with the right skills. 

Environmental awareness needs to be part of education and training at all levels. Countries need strategies that combine energy, environment, education and skills development objectives and policies. Effective social dialogue, coordination among ministries, and communication between employers and training providers will be essential for the success of these strategies. Public-private partnerships, leveraging the resources and expertise of both governments and businesses, have proven highly effective in many cases. Skills requirements mappings allow the elaboration of in-depth programs for potential skills upgrading and the redesigning of national vocational training and education schemes. The overall objective is to merge skills development with green policies and investment.

GOAL & OBJECTIVES

Project Goal: To establish and provide job role-oriented training with placements for 275 unemployed underprivileged youth in the Green Skill sector in Maharashtra, Chennai and Delhi region. 

Project Objective:

• Skills Enhancement: To equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge required to excel as Solar Panel and Electric Vehicle Technician along with MS office skills.

• Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Develop a curriculum aligned with industry standards and technological advancements, ensuring practical applicability.

• Hands-On Training with placements and Certification: Provide practical, hands-on experience with modern technologies and diagnostic equipment along with placement opportunity and relevant certification after completing the course and clearing assessment.

PROJECT GEOGRAPHY

Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chennai, Delhi NCR (Other location also can be explored based on confirmation)

BENEFICIARIES

a. DIRECT BENEFICIARIES: As per the proposed project, 1150 Youth in 3 years from economically weaker sections of society will be trained in Market demand skills in Green Jobs. Placement percentage will be 70% of proposed program.

b. INDIRECT BENEFICIARIES: Considering an average household of 5 members. These trained and placed / entrepreneurs will be impacting (1150 X 5) = 5750 members of households 

OFFERED COURSES

Proposed Program-

Promoting green skill along with MS office skills among youth as:

i) Solar Panel installation technician

ii) Electric Vehicle Service Technician (two- and three-wheelers)  

Program Duration: 3 months 

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