Vocational education and training (VET) and the green transition: Insights from labour market data

The transition to a green economy has significant implications for labour markets, driving increased demand for skills that support sustainable development. This study analyses Labour Force Survey data from a set of OECD countries to assess the role of vocational education and training (VET) in preparing the workforce for the green transition. The findings indicate that nearly one in four upper-secondary VET graduates work in jobs directly impacted by the transition, primarily in existing occupations where job content evolves or labour demand increases. VET graduates are also overrepresented in greenhouse gas-intensive jobs. These findings highlight the need for targeted upskilling and reskilling initiatives. To address these challenges, the study emphasises the need to align VET curricula with emerging green skills, expand access to continuous training, and ensure VET learners and graduates have opportunities to develop the advanced competencies essential for high-quality green employment, including through VET programmes at post-secondary levels.