Re-skilling and up-skilling programmes for today's workforce

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

The deployment and maintenance of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, in general, is often limited by the workforce, making it a key priority for governments and the industry in several regions.

Examples and initiatives

The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program provides project grants to organisations for workforce upskilling to operate and maintain new vehicles as well as for charging infrastructure to be certified under the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program.

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program provides project grants to organisations for workforce upskilling to operate and maintain new vehicles as well as for charging infrastructure to be certified under the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program.

Examples and initiatives

The Maritime Just Transition Task Force of the International Chamber of Shipping has established a ten-point action plan to educate the seafaring workforce on various topics, including alternate fuel technologies (ICS, n.d.).

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

There are several examples of training initiatives that have integrated the sustainability of aviation and partnered with the industry. Key focus areas for upskilling include the commercialisation of SAF and improved aircraft concept and design for efficient fuel use and different propulsion systems. Training programmes can also focus on skills in feedstock conversion, regulation and policy landscapes, and other relevant topics. Upskilling to support airlines in including SAF in their operations, such as upskilling in fuel management and procurement, also needs to be looked at.

Examples and initiatives

ICAO’s Next Generation of Aviation Professionals initiative, in collaboration with its partners, aims to increase skills related to low-emission technologies.

Airbus and Safran offer a joint training programme on hydrogen propulsion systems.

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

The steel industry recognises the needs to train the existing workforce to adapt to low-carbon steel production technologies and processes. The training received by employees of the steel sector to expand their knowledge and skills increased, on average, by close to 30% in 2023 compared to 2019 levels (from 6.9 training days per employee in 2019 to 8.9 in 2023) (WSA, 2024c). Reskilling the current workforce to cater to the evolving needs of the industry can be a contributor to the just and fair transition of the steel industry.

Examples and initiatives

In 2024, the members of the Alliance for Industry Decarbonization initiative, including several iron and steel producers, agreed to revise their targets for reskilling the workforce from the initially set target of 20% by 2030 to 99% by 2030.

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

The chemical sector supports existing workers with different development programmes and technical training to foster a transition to the low-carbon chemical industry to help employees adopt new technologies and adapt to regulatory changes.

Examples and initiatives

The European Chemical Employers Group announced the EU-funded ChemSkills project, which aims to create an in-depth partnership between industry representatives, education providers, and policy makers at the European, national and subregional levels.

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

While building a workforce with skills in low-carbon cement production is important for a sector that is likely to grow, there is also a need to train existing staff on similar topics with more hands-on experience. There have been developments on this front, with a few cement companies starting internal training programmes for employees on carbon capture, alternative raw materials, and digital process optimisation.

For industrial sectors, particularly the cement sector, there are potential opportunities for cross-sectoral training and hiring with other industries, such as oil and gas, in implementing CCUS.

Examples and initiatives

In 2024, the members of the Alliance for Industry Decarbonization initiative, chaired by IRENA, agreed to revise their targets for reskilling the workforce from the initially set target of 20% by 2030 to 99% by 2030.

Lafarge, Holcim and Heidelberg Materials are leading efforts in training workers for carbon capture and alternative fuel systems. The International Finance Corporation’s EDGE programme provides certification and training for professionals in green cement and sustainable construction (IEA, 2025c).