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Skills for Sustainability

Image for 'The Science' (more information)The Science
Research has convincingly shown the reality of climate change.  The consequences of climate change have the potential to have a devastating impact on future generations. Tasmania is taking part in a global effort to make the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient and environmentally sustainable economy.

Image for 'Skills Response Information' (more information)Skills Response Information
There are  different approaches that can be taken to developing a skills response. These include:

  • An industry-by-industry approach (including work to date undertaken by industry skills councils and specific drivers faced by individual industries)
  • Using a sustainability jobs framework
    • Brand new sustainability jobs (such as an energy auditor)
    • Embedding sustainability skills in old jobs (for example, teaching a builder about retrofitting, energy efficiency and good waste management practices)
    • Jobs transfer (for example, workers transferring their rigging skills from the construction industry to installing wind turbines)
  • Showcase of success stories that demonstrate the benefits of sustainability skills on a case study basis
  • Training system response (whether VET sector, Higher Education or on-the-job training)

Image for 'Government Policy Response' (more information)Government Policy Response
There is a large suite of Government policy responses to climate change at both the big picture level as well as at the skills level. In late 2008, the Ministerial Council for Vocational and Technical Education (MCVTE) agreed that the National Quality Council (NQC) should prioritise the development of flexible and responsive training products that embed sustainability skills in all training packages, sustainability skill sets and short courses. It was also identified that work should also be undertaken into determining a standards framework for voluntary certification of RTOs as providers of sustainability skills.
Skills Tasmania is developing an ongoing Skills for Sustainability plan to ensure the Tasmanian VET sector can anticipate and respond to emerging and future demand for sustainability skills.

Image for 'Industry Demand Drivers' (more information)Industry Demand Drivers
There are many factors driving industry demand for sustainability skills. These include innovation and research developments; regulation and legislation; Government initiatives and grants; and the growth in consumer demand for sustainable goods and services.