This quote from an article in the UK’s Guardian newspaper sums up both the challenge and the opportunity in delivering the circular economy. The challenge is to identify and develop the capabilities that can generate more circular practices, including new business models and innovative infrastructure alongside the skills to repair, refurbish and remanufacture goods.
This will create significant opportunities for employment in these areas and in the new businesses that will emerge to meet the demand for more circular practices.
With its focus on practical applications, education activities should be targeted toward higher education, including universities and business schools. The good news is that capacity already exists, with 138 higher education institutions around the world offering circular learning opportunities (including Columbia University, which runs a “Circular Economy for Sustainability Professionals Course” as part of its MS in Sustainability Management).102
Vocational training is also required to help develop new approaches to design, inspection, cleaning, remanufacturing and repair. Reskilling may also be important to allow people to move from one (linear) industry to another (circular) industry as opportunities develop.
In its Circular Economy Strategy for Scotland, the Scottish Government has highlighted its approach to skills development, which includes modern apprenticeships and support for innovation centers.
New York City already has strong examples of vocational training programs that focus on green jobs, which could be adapted to embrace circular skills.
They include:
Solar One, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to design and deliver innovative education, training and technical assistance that fosters sustainability and resilience in diverse urban environments.
The Hope Program, which empowers New Yorkers to build sustainable futures through comprehensive training, jobs, advancement and lifelong career support.
