This report summarizes discussions from a two-day EDC convening that focused on how the United States can build collective momentum toward meeting employers’ urgent need to fill the rapidly growing number of jobs in green and blue economies. The report presents six recommendations that panelists and participants identified as key next steps to ensure our nation’s education and workforce development systems keep pace with new forms of manufacturing, new products and markets, and new technologies–especially in green and blue sectors–to ensure economic prosperity for all.
In February 2024, EDC convened economists, scientists, K–12 formal and informal education leaders, industry leaders, community leaders, government leaders, and philanthropic leaders to identify strategies to ensure all U.S. youth are ready to thrive in green and blue economies. Many of the leaders who participated in the convening made a commitment to taking specific action to advance equitable access to/preparation for careers in the green and blue workforce. This directory features their commitments. Would your organization like to make a commitment? Please contact us: climateworkforce@edc.org.
Commissioned by EDC for its Preparing a Green and Blue Workforce Convening, this paper provides an insightful look at the rapid growth in sustainability-jobs and considers the implications of this growth. The authors begin by defining sustainability jobs–including blue and green jobs–and identifying the skills and dispositions needed for these jobs. Next, they outline the kinds of preparation, training, and education needed for these jobs. Finally, they draw on peer-reviewed literature, authoritative reports, and an extensive jobs database (Lightcast) to provide recommendations.
Authors: Arun Agrawal, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan
Nicole M. Ardoin, Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford University
Christopher Boone, School of Sustainability, Arizona State University
Commissioned by EDC for its Preparing a Green and Blue Workforce Convening, this paper provides an overview of the key federal and state legislation that supports the development of a green labor market. The author describes some of the programs that have begun to be developed at colleges and universities to support the education and training of workers for the green labor market, as well as similar programs that are being implemented in the secondary education space. The author also outlines issues and barriers to expanding these kinds of programs and presents some promising evidence that may support the expansion of education and training for green jobs.
Author: Rachel Rosen, Director, Center for Effective Career and Technical Education, MDRC
This event summary provides a quick overview of EDC’s February 2024 “Preparing a Green and Blue Workforce” convening including goals, top takeaways, and presenters. The summary also provides a look at planned next steps in the “Preparing a Green and Blue Workforce” initiative.