Vietnam’s Green Transition: Bridging the Skills Gap for a Sustainable Future
Vietnam is on the cusp of a major transformation. Since committing to net-zero carbon emissions in 2021, the nation’s path toward a greener economy has become clearer. However, significant hurdles remain, particularly in the realm of human resources. The demand for green skills is skyrocketing, yet supply has not kept pace. According to Pauline Tamesis, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, around 60% of young people may lack the essential skills needed to succeed in a green economy by 2030.
The Surge in Green Skills Demand
The landscape of employment is changing rapidly, with a noticeable rise in job postings that require at least one green skill. Data from Nguyen Ngoc Duyen, a national skills development project coordinator at the International Labour Organization (ILO), indicates that this percentage increased by 22% from 2022 to 2023. This shift is particularly evident in sectors such as renewable energy and environmental protection, but green jobs are also emerging in traditional industries, expanding the requirement for these skills across the board.
Defining Green Jobs
So, what exactly constitutes a green job? The ILO categorizes it broadly—not only as roles that promote environmental sustainability but also as those providing good income and high productivity. The ILO predicts that the global green transition could lead to a net loss of roughly 7 million jobs, accompanied by the creation of 25 million new opportunities by 2030. Notably, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to benefit significantly from this transition.
Preparing for the Green Economy
The challenges facing Vietnam extend beyond mere job availability. The rapid transition is requiring the development of new skills to match emerging job roles. According to Duyen, if countries in the region—including Vietnam—continue to invest in environmental initiatives, about 14 million new jobs could materialize. This necessitates that young workers cultivate basic knowledge and adopt skills related to resource efficiency, engineering, operation, supervision, and various soft skills.
Current State of Green Employment in Vietnam
Recent studies conducted by the World Bank in collaboration with the General Statistics Office highlight that green jobs currently account for nearly 4% of total employment in Vietnam. Remarkably, these jobs permeate approximately 40 different occupational fields. Furthermore, a significant number of existing roles—over 40% of total employment—boast the potential to evolve into green positions.
Opportunities Across Various Sectors
Green jobs are not confined to industries explicitly focused on environmental goods and services. As Abla Safir, a senior economist at the World Bank, points out, various sectors, including mining and agriculture, have roles that can be classified as green. Notably, agriculture possesses the highest concentration of potential green jobs, underscoring its critical role in Vietnam’s sustainable future.
Growing Demand from Businesses
The emphasis on sustainability is not just a governmental initiative; private businesses are also catching onto the trend. A report by Deloitte reveals that three-quarters of companies globally have ramped up their investments in sustainability over the past year. Interestingly, around 70% of employees indicate that a company’s sustainability efforts enhance its attractiveness as an employer. This trend reflects a growing expectation that organizations should actively contribute to environmental and social governance.
Hiring Trends in Green Fields
Companies like ManpowerGroup Vietnam are adapting to these changing needs by assisting businesses in filling green job vacancies. They report a high demand for green personnel, particularly in areas like manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and technology. The agricultural industry exemplifies this challenge; firms such as GREENFEED Vietnam have reported difficulty in recruiting qualified workers, as highlighted by Chief People Officer Nguyen Tam Trang.
Education and Corporate Collaboration
To proactively address the shortfall in skilled workers, companies are taking measures to strengthen their ties with educational institutions. GREENFEED Vietnam collaborates with over 40 universities to launch initiatives such as scholarship programs, scientific research sponsorships, and internship opportunities, catering to more than 400 interns annually. This partnership model not only improves employability but also helps cultivate a workforce better prepared for sustainable practices.
Challenges in Skilled Labor Acquisition
Despite these efforts, the shortage of highly qualified personnel remains pressing. According to Le Thi Nhu Hang, a business manager at Navigos Search, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries are witnessing an increasing demand for skilled labor. Companies must focus on competitive remuneration policies and transparent career advancement routes to attract and retain talent.
Navigating Toward Sustainable Growth
The urgency for agricultural enterprises to recruit passionate and qualified personnel cannot be overstated. Understanding the intricacies of the industry is vital for building a robust workforce capable of driving modern and sustainable developments. The pathway to a greener economy is layered with challenges, but through education, business initiative, and a collective commitment to sustainability, Vietnam can harness its potential for a prosperous green future.