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In South Africa and other developing countries, the quest for social justice requires ongoing reflection on transformational intent and how it manifests in policies and practices. The relationship between people, policies and the labour market requires equilibrium to promote social justice and work-integrated learning opportunities, specifically for trade-related workers. Changes in the formal labour market spilled unemployed and jobless workers into the informal economy, which has been growing systematically, yet has not been recognised as an alternative for work-integrated learning. Insights from the conceptual framework of the study on trade workers in the informal economy are discussed. In conclusion, social justice imperatives are proposed towards a more nuanced approach to address social inclusion and sustainability.

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This research investigated the level of understanding and excitement among young Australians about careers with an environmental focus. The project involved focus groups among secondary school students in seven government and non-government schools in 2008. It is hoped the results can assist both industry and educators by allowing them an insight into the minds of Australian youth on the issue of sustainability in the workforce.

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This paper quantifies changes in employment and the demand for skills in the European Union following the implementation of Fit for 55 policies. Between 2019 and 2030, the economy is projected to grow by 1.3 per cent in the Fit for 55 scenario (3 per cent in a Baseline scenario without the Fit for 55 policies). Employment growth is projected to be lower in the Fit for 55 than the baseline scenario. Employment in the Fit for 55 scenario is projected to decrease by 3 per cent for blue collar and farm workers (2 per cent in the baseline) and increase by 4-5 per cent for other occupations (5-6 per cent in the baseline). The most demanded skills following the implementation of Fit for 55 will be those related to inter-personal communication and the use of digital technologies, whereas the demand for skills related to the use of traditional tools and technologies is projected to decline. Anticipating changes in employment and the demand for skills as well as the socio-demographic profile of those most affected can facilitate the design of upskilling and reskilling efforts and promote the reallocation of workers across sectors and occupations.

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Jobseekers in Victoria have varying access to opportunities and resources, which can have an impact on their ability to find and retain secure employment. Personal circumstances can combine with broader social and economic factors to create disadvantage and set up a range of employment barriers. For jobseekers facing disadvantage, these barriers are often numerous and complex. This Inquiry's terms of reference asked the Legislative Assembly's Economy and Infrastructure Committee to examine the social and economic benefits of placing disadvantaged jobseekers into sustainable employment. The Committee chose to expand the Inquiry's scope to also look at the employment barriers these jobseekers face and how they can be addressed. The Government response to this report was tabled in Parliament on 30 April 2021.

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This paper analyses evidence on efforts to boost decent employment for young people in Africa through green jobs programmes in various sectors, countries and regions across the continent. The paper reviews a variety of green economy interventions being implemented in Africa and discusses evidence on the impact they are having on youth employment and the 'greening' of African economies. The paper is based on a desk review of existing literature on green jobs for young people. The paper assesses the scope, nature and quality of jobs being created and elucidates the perceptions of young people regarding work and employment in the green economy. Further, it examines what works and what does not work in interventions to promote green jobs for youth, identifies priority knowledge gaps, and makes recommendations.

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The Brotherhood of St Laurence and Environment Victoria, with the support of Sustainability Victoria, organised a one-day summit that explored the opportunities, enablers and barriers to green job growth in Victoria. A unique focus was ensuring disadvantaged Victorians are able to participate in the new green economy. Key stakeholders from the community, business, education, unions, the media and government came together to share ideas about how to make Victoria a leader in greening its workforce and generating new green job opportunities for disadvantaged and other jobseekers. This web page provides access to the workshop papers used to underpin discussions at the summit and that will contribute to a draft action plan on green jobs. The workshop papers are: Building comparative advantage in the low carbon world: Victoria’s clean energy jobs opportunities / Erwin Jackson; Increasing Victoria’s competitive advantage in green jobs / Tim Piper; Barriers and opportunities through energy efficiency / Paul Murfitt; Ensuring that disadvantaged job seekers are involved in the emerging green jobs market / Michael Horn; Taking the next steps in greening the manufacturing sector / Julius Roe; Notes on green employment and skills development / William Mitchell.

A related report is indexed at TD/TNC 97.215. Show less

This impact paper examines the feasibility and desirability of transitioning workers from occupations susceptible to automation to rapidly growing occupations, particularly in the clean economy. We define this shift as a transition from high-risk, low-mobility (HRLM) occupations to rapid-growth, clean-economy occupations. First, we identify green industries that are critical to transitioning to a clean economy. We then identify existing and emerging green occupations that are more important to green industries than the overall economy. Next, we determine the key differences between green and non-green occupations by leveraging a comprehensive inventory of skills, knowledge requirements, and wages. We also estimate the equivalence between years of training and skills gains that can inform retraining programs. Lastly, through a survey of over 500 Canadian workers and in-depth interviews with industry associations, labour representatives, and other relevant experts, we examine the human factors in job transitions, such as worker attitudes and preferences.

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This policy briefing aims to inform policy makers on opportunities and challenges for Arts-based Social Enterprises (ASEs) in supporting the engagement, well-being, education and workforce participation of young people (15 to 24 years) experiencing, or at risk of, social and economic marginalisation. Social enterprises are often smaller-scale, place-based businesses that focus their community-responsive, tailored programs on small numbers of people, but have the potential to generate significant impacts. ASEs fulfill an important social and economic role, supporting young people's transition into employment and education, and promoting social inclusion and well-being through participation in artistic and cultural activities. The briefing outlines key findings from an Australian Research Council funded study of ASEs undertaken by researchers from RMIT and Charles Sturt University. The four-year project involved research with ASEs across Australia, including undertaking 60 interviews with staff and participants from twelve ASE organisations, and conducting three in-depth case studies with Melbourne enterprises The Social Studio, Outer Urban Projects and Youthworx Productions.

The research found that ASEs are responding to the challenges of the broader employment market for youth by supporting emerging artists to develop income streams and entrepreneurial skills that are relevant to the creative industries. The most innovative ASEs aim to generate employment opportunities for participants within the social enterprise. The briefing highlights three areas in which the contribution of ASEs to engaging young people can be enhanced: (1) through stronger recognition of ASEs' role in improving engagement and well-being outcomes for young people; (2) providing operational funding and business support to assist the ongoing sustainability of ASEs; and (3) promoting a strength-based, entrepreneurial approach to youth transitions.

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The Clean Jobs Plan presents 12 policy opportunities, providing a whole-of-economy solution, that aim to put 76,000 Australians to work, reboot the economy, and tackle long-term challenges including climate change. The analysis does not identify every job that can be created. Instead, it focuses on targeting regions and occupations hit hardest by job losses and on programs that can create jobs quickly. The plan is based on detailed economic modelling. It provides specific analysis for each state and territory, identifying five priority areas for each that will generate large numbers of jobs quickly, while also complementing current economic plans.

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The Green Skills Network is a department of First Work: The Ontario Association of Youth Employment Centres. It serves to close labour market gaps by connecting entry-level workers to emerging Green employment opportunities. The Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling (CERIC) provides funding and ongoing support for this research. This literature review is designed to assist employment counsellors, job developers, and job seekers in gaining a better understanding of the green economy in Canada and its labour effects, specifically regarding entry-level employment in renewable energy and energy conservation. Entry-level is defined as jobs that require less than a post-secondary degree. The focus on entry-level jobs is due to the ongoing challenges in youth employment in Canada. The youth unemployment rate is almost double that of the country’s total unemployment rate and is steadily increasing. Youth are competing in the job market against others in their cohort as well as two generations of workers who possess more work experience. Having a better understanding of emerging entry-level occupations and the skills needed to obtain employment in these areas can help youth enter the labour force and begin developing their careers. The focus on renewable energy and energy conservation is due to these sectors providing the most opportunity for entry-level work.

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