Over 5 Million Green Jobs Up for Grabs, PH Urgently Needs Skilled Workers

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Taguig City - August 14, 2024 - The green job market is on the rise, with over 5.1 million new positions expected by 2025, according to a 2018 study by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). This boom in green jobs could transform the job landscape, offering opportunities in sustainability and environmental conservation. Green jobs involve roles that help protect or restore the environment, and green skills are the specialized abilities required for these positions. However, the Philippines faces a significant challenge: there aren’t enough skilled workers to fill these roles.

A Baseline Assessment conducted by the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) revealed that many respondents from the TVET and industry sectors either lack understanding of green skills and jobs or show little interest. Despite this, there is a general recognition of the importance of acquiring these skills for both employment and environmental awareness. With these insights, Project sustainABILITY aims to drive a sustainable transformation and foster a greener economy.

Launched as a joint initiative between JPMorganChase and ASSIST, Project sustainABILITY seeks to integrate green skills into Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) curricula. This initiative will ensure that the workforce is well-prepared for the green jobs of the future. The project involves designing a comprehensive and industry-relevant curriculum, developing targeted training programs, and creating job placement opportunities. Key industry sectors include construction, automotive and land transport, metals and engineering, and agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, with a focus on Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. The project also aims to train at least 750 instructors, educate 12,000 students, and place 6,000 successful graduates into green jobs.

The Project sustainABILITY initiative has partnered with various industry associations and business chambers, including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, and the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These collaborations aim to encourage member companies to create more green job positions. Republic Act 10771, or the Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016, supports this effort by incentivizing businesses to generate employment through green practices, contributing to climate solutions, and utilizing government-supported training and capacity-building platforms.

The project is also working closely with TESDA and TVET associations to ensure seamless development and integration of curricula into training institutions. Additionally, the People Management Association of the Philippines supports this endeavor, encouraging companies to nurture green skills and contribute to a sustainable future.

“JPMorganChase remains committed to closing the skills gap in green jobs and preparing the workforce for meaningful employment in the increasingly important sectors,” said Carlos Ma. G. Mendoza, Senior Country Officer for JPMorganChase Philippines. “Through programs such Project sustainABILITY, organizations have an opportunity to grow the green economy and help in efforts to achieve sustainable development in the country for years to come.”

“Project sustainABILITY is a groundbreaking initiative towards bridging the gap between the millions of green jobs available and the current shortage of skilled workers. Collaboration between industries, companies, government agencies, civil society organizations, and educational institutions is essential to build the skilled workforce needed for this green revolution. It’s not just about creating jobs; it’s about preparing for a sustainable future,” said Francis Macatulad, Program Director of ASSIST.

Project sustainABILITY aspires to inspire more organizations and institutions to join this crucial effort, ensuring that the Philippines can seize the green job opportunities of tomorrow and drive sustainable development for years to come.