Energy transition and green skills development in vocational curricula, implications for Ukraine

The global energy transition is fundamentally reshaping the nature of work, requiring a structural adjustment in human capital development [7]. As economies shift toward sustainable energy sources, the demand for specialized technical and environmental competencies grows, placing significant pressure on existing vocational education systems to evolve rapidly to meet these new labor market needs [1].

Vocational education remains a cornerstone of workforce readiness, yet current curricula in many transition economies often fail to incorporate the necessary green skills required by modern industries [3]. This disconnect limits the capacity of the workforce to participate effectively in the green economy, leading to skill shortages that hinder broader national sustainability goals. Addressing this gap requires a multifaceted approach that bridges the divide between educational institutions and private sector requirements.

This work aims to evaluate the mechanisms for embedding green competencies into vocational curricula by drawing on comparative international evidence [1][3]. Through a desk-research approach, it examines successful institutional frameworks to identify strategies applicable to the Ukrainian context. The analysis focuses on the interplay between national education policies and industry-level skill needs, providing a roadmap for policy reform.

Ultimately, this research provides a strategic framework for stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, and industry leaders, to foster a resilient and skilled workforce. By aligning educational standards with the demands of the circular and green economy, the proposed recommendations seek to ensure that the transition process supports long-term economic stability and social development within the country, fostering a more sustainable future for the next generation of workers.