We are in a time of transition. In an orchestrated effort to protect livelihoods, reduce resource scarcity and tackle climate change, businesses and civil societies around the world are shifting towards greener, more circular ways of working and living. More and more governments are bringing circular economy policies and green recovery plans into play.  

But do workers have the skills necessary to both scale up and participate in the economy that is taking shape? Are we being educated in a way that enables us to harness the full potential of the circular economy? Currently, the answer is no. There is a gap between the skills workers have today and skills they will need in the future—and it is widening, as we embrace circular business models and strategies, digitalisation and greening economies, and as populations live (and work) for longer. Without proper vocational up- and re-skilling, we risk not only leaving workers behind but also hampering the transition to a circular economy.

Vocational education and training (VET) is a key mechanism for ensuring a skilled workforce that can thrive in and scale up the circular economy. Governments, educators, industry and civil society need to enhance VET to build circular capacities, leverage existing skillsets and diversify. Collaboration between all entities to both generate new skills needs and co-create training programmes, as well as an emphasis on lifelong learning and development are crucial. Governments have an important role to play as potential VET advocates, funding providers and policy coordinators.