Skills for the green transition

Introduction
The transition toward greener cities and more sustainable production methods requires new skills throughout the nursery sector. Growers increasingly depend on workers with knowledge of cultivation, biodiversity, plant health and climate adaptation. The green transition is changing skill needs across Europe, creating growing demand for practical green expertise and vocational education.

Key points

• The European Skills Agenda is a long-term EU initiative focused on improving workforce skills and competitiveness.
• The Pact for Skills encourages collaboration between businesses, education providers and sector organisations.
• Cedefop research identifies vocational education and practical green skills as essential for the green transition.

Topics
Green skills | Vocational education | Upskilling | Reskilling | Sustainable cultivation | Practical plant knowledge

Relevant dates

• 2020 — Pact for Skills launched
• 2023 — European Year of Skills
• 5 March 2025 — Union of Skills launched

Research & policy links

• European Skills Agenda
• Pact for Skills
• Cedefop green transition skills research