Promoting green jobs in a circular economy

The circular economy poses particular challenges and opportunities for countries in the global south that largely depend on linear economic models, material extraction, fossil fuels, or the extensive use of natural resources such as water and land. Workers in the circular economy require different skills. Enterprises in the circular economy require technical and financial support and cooperation. To leave no one behind, particular focus must be put on vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and skills development and training opportunities must be up to the task and widely accessible. It also requires a systematic approach that links global targets and markets with national and local policies, actions and businesses. Drawing on the experience of the ILO and key partners, this training course provided participants with a structured approach to identify, understand and apply the main concepts, analytical tools and practical actions relevant to the employment and labour dimensions of the circular economy. The course allowed participants to learn from concrete experiences and case studies enabling them to understand, develop and shape enabling national/ sectoral strategies and approaches for the creation of decent employment and sustainable businesses in the shift towards a circular economy. OBJECTIVES At the end of the course, participants were be able to: - Apply and disseminate the basic concepts underlying the circular economy model in conjunction with the related social, environmental and business aspects - Identify key elements of enabling policy and regulatory frameworks such as fiscal measures and incentive schemes, certifications and extended producer responsibility, labour regulations and the business environment at large - Identify and distinguish the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders from government, the private sector, and employers’ and workers’ organizations to shape a conducive environment for the creation of decent jobs in a circular economy - Analyse framework conditions to develop and implement policies and strategies in the area of o Skills development, technical education and vocational training for circular economy jobs, data collection and skills anticipation o Green entrepreneurship, circular business models and private sector support o Occupational safety and health in the circular economy o Product certification and (fiscal) incentive schemes o Network building & advocacy for job creation and business development in a circular economy o Access to finance for green businesses o Social and employment impacts as well as gender aspects of the circular economy CONTENT In 5 interactive, live online sessions, delivered by ITCILO trainers, participants had the opportunity to learn and exchange with sector experts and professionals from international organisations, research institutions as well as governmental and non-governmental organisations on the various course topics. During the sessions, participants will also had the possibility to further their skills in interactive group learning exercises. The course closed with a final assignment that will enable participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge and put it into action. ACHIEVEMENT The objective of this course was to provide participants with the knowledge to systemically apply measures to promote the creation of more and better jobs in the circular economy. They acquired both the tools and the technical knowledge to be able to initiate and implement change processes at institutional, business and policy level. NUMBER OF HOURS: 30