Skills Gap Analysis: strong demand for green skills
A Skills Gap Analysis carried out in the spring identified the green skills needed by companies and educational institutions in the Vaasa region. The electronic survey made by VASEK aimed to reach around 200 people and received replies from 68 respondents from both the manufacturing industry and expert organisations.
The results show that companies value both competence in new technologies – such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity – and practical skills, such as waste sorting in the manufacturing industry. Soft skills such as initiative and the ability to work in diverse teams are also appreciated.
According to the results of the survey, companies also consider cooperation important: they would like to see stronger networking between companies and closer cooperation with educational establishments. The results of the analysis will be used to develop curricula and teaching content in the region’s educational institutions.
Green Skills Week from 22nd to 25th September
The third Green Skills Week will take place at the end of September this year. It is a unique event that brings together students, companies and educational institutions to discuss the green transition, the circular economy and the skills needed in the future. What makes this event stand out is the fact that it is aimed at students of both vocational and higher education institutions.
The event is organised by Green Skills Vaasa’s member organisations VASEK, the University of Vaasa, VAMK University of Applied Sciences, Novia University of Applied Sciences, VAMIA, YA Vocational College of Ostrobothnia and Technology Centre Merinova. During the week, the programme will be structured around four themes:
- Monday 22nd September: Green Transition
- Tuesday 23rd September: Circular Economy – also the launch of a circular economy challenge for students, which involves mixed teams from all educational units finding new uses for the recycled raw materials of one of the event’s partner companies
- Wednesday 24th September: Green Technology
- Thursday 25th September: Voices of the Future – focus on entrepreneurship and innovation
The programme will feature speakers from companies and educational institutions alike. The event will be held entirely in English and is aimed specifically at students of vocational and higher education institutions.
Green Skills activities in the Vaasa region
Now in its third year, Green Skills Week aims to provide students with up-to-date information about the green transition and to encourage them to develop their skills for a sustainable future. The event is also a forum that brings together educational organisations, companies and the region’s stakeholders to discuss and address the challenges related to green skills.
Key targets:
- to strengthen young people’s understanding of the impact of the green transition in various industries
- to encourage interdisciplinary cooperation and teamwork
- to provide students with contacts in local businesses and innovative practical challenges to support companies in their efforts to find new perspectives on sustainability solutions
The Skills Gap Analysis is an important part of the development of Green Skills activities. The analysis provides valuable information on the needs and expectations of the region’s businesses, which helps educational institutions to design curricula to better match the industrial needs of the future.
The Green Skills Week is a concrete example of how the Vaasa region is building a sustainable future through collaboration – by combining the resources of students, educational institutions and companies.
