According to Cedefop's new report, governments and employers must act to help people develop skills for green jobs. The report also found little evidence that green policies are influencing skills development and hiring policies.

The “Green skills and environmental awareness in vocational education and training” report published by Cedefop, the European Centre for Development of Vocational Training, shows that it is not enough what is being done to make sure people are acquiring the right skills. According to such report, employers have difficulties to influence the development of new, green qualifications in Vocational Education and Training (VET) and the uncertainty surrounding regulations and policies are slowing down developments towards a greener economy. Another study published in March 2012 showed that 1 in 8 employees of small and medium-sized firms had a green job in 2012.

In addition, the report shows that despite several occupations relate directly to the greening of European economies - such as energy auditors, insulation workers, solar panel installers and environmental engineers, not enough people are aware of such occupations as possible career options. The report found few examples of projects seeking to steer unemployed workers, disadvantaged groups or young people towards such occupations. Improving the status of these occupations could make the general public, policy-makers and learning providers more aware of the opportunities created by the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy.

As outlined in the EU 2020 strategy, the greening of the European economy will have profound effects on the labour market. The study identified main challenges and priorities in eight EU Member States (Germany, Greece, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Finland and the UK), and took as examples nine occupations affected by the green economy. According to Cedefop, there is clearly a need for policy-makers and social partners to raise awareness and take common action.