It is estimated that India has the potential to create 35 million green jobs by 2047, which is an exciting number that quickly becomes intimidating when asking questions about where we are going to find the talent needed to fill 35 million new roles
The world stands on the cusp of taking a momentous step forward as countries, including India, start taking action to meet their net-zero commitments. However, while the technology that’s being deployed to help with these commitments is evolving rapidly, the same can’t be said about the development of talent and the skills needed in order to support these changes.
Over 65% of India’s population is at an age where they can be productive contributors to the workforce. This demographic strength helps the government’s push to welcome global manufacturing to the country. However, if we are to continue to be an attractive destination for global companies that are examining the sustainability of their supply chains, we need to demonstrate that our labour pool is also skilled enough to support green transitions.
There is also growing demand from Indian companies as they start aligning with India’s own net zero requirements and those of other countries for exports. We stand at a critical juncture – where if we don’t start building a workforce to support the green economy, all our efforts elsewhere will be for nothing.
It is estimated that India has the potential to create 35 million green jobs by 2047, which is an exciting number that quickly becomes intimidating when asking questions about where we are going to find the talent needed to fill 35 million new roles. Renewable Energy, Waste Management, Electric Vehicles, Sustainable Textiles, and Green Construction will be the drivers of green growth in India and host the highest number of green jobs, according to a recent study by Skills Council. This is very similar to what we see in other countries, particularly those in Southeast Asia, where Bridgespan has conducted a similar mapping of the emerging green economy.
The two most urgent needs for the workforce are to reskill and upskill in these industries, where the nature of people’s jobs is starting to change due to the incorporation of green strategies. There needs to be a ramp-up in establishing training programs for growing industries like clean energy and electric mobility, to ensure a skilled and stable talent pipeline. The growth of the electric vehicle industry in India is a huge opportunity to upskill the existing ICE workforce so they can transition to EV assembly lines and manufacturing. The green hydrogen supply chain in India can acquire talent by reskilling the workforce from other sectors.
Head of Global Philanthropy,
Asia Pacific,
J.P. Morgan
Getting to net zero is a long-term commitment that will also open up new job opportunities and create additional demand as the change picks up momentum. This makes it critical that we prepare the future workforce for green jobs by introducing appropriate technical courses in the education system and embedding green skills in existing trainings. In Australia for instance, green skills are being added to construction training programs. The Philippines has put in place a national plan that aims to provide green skills through technical and vocational education training systems. In China, too, there is an ongoing effort to incorporate green skills in the apprenticeship system. Soon, in the near future, acquiring green skills will no longer be considered a nice-to-have, but rather a foundational requirement for the jobs of the future.
As we start putting in place solutions to address the skills gaps in the green economy, it is imperative that we be deliberate about diversity and inclusion. In India, the construction industry employs some of the most socio-economically and educationally disadvantaged people. We can find rural women and artisans at the tail end of the apparel industry’s supply chain. If we do not invest in reskilling and upskilling them, the most vulnerable will be left behind in our efforts to achieve green glory. Fortifying the labour pool for India’s green transition needs to not only be skilled but also equitable.
(This article is authored by Maneesha Chadha – Head of Global Philanthropy, Asia Pacific, J.P. Morgan)
