Upskilling Generation Net-Zero

Through the GenNZ project, we aimed to: Propose a solution for overcoming skills mismatch and addressing the needs of the future labour market in a Net Zero economy Design and test a potentia...

Through the GenNZ project, we aimed to: Propose a solution for overcoming skills mismatch and addressing the needs of the future labour market in a Net Zero economy Design and test a potential competencies framework for scaling accessibility to Green skills learning Design and test a potential competencies framework with Work-based learning at the core and application of knowledge and theory in practice. The overarching objective was to develop: - A complete, ready to use, ‘green skills’ vocational competencies framework - A piloted teaching programme -With, rigorous assessment and potential for microcredential certification. -Grounded in workplace reality. This was to address the gap between VET green skills development and the fast-changing world of work towards net-zero transition, specifically in the tourism and hospitality sectors. It was hoped that this short project, and its outputs, could be a catalyst for aligning understanding of green skills between educators, employers and employees in the tourism and hospitality sectors, and for strenthening WBL, Apprenticeship training of Green Skills.

The 6 activities of the project were interlinked such that each activity informed and underpinned the rigour and quality of the next. The final reporting and evaluation Activity (6) links back to Actvity 1. in a loop of continuous improvement and progression. Activity 1. A research and scoping study, including a literature review and empirical online surveys (320 respondents from Greece and Slovenia) to identify the status-quo and 'green skills' gap in both countries. Activity 2. 'Green skills' focus groups of 18 experts & practitioners, + informal interviews (over 40) Greece Slovenia to inform 'vocational competencies framework' design. Activity 3. Design of a vocational competencies framework, training modules with workplace learning and rigorous, evidence based assessment 'standard'. Activity 4. Delivering a 8 weeks pilot, online, Summer School, simultaneously in Greece and Slovenia, to test the vocational competencies framework and assessment, with access to tourism and hospitality WBL workplaces. Activity 5. Organise and deliver, online, post pilot workshops and dissemination in Greece and Slovenia Activity 6. Organise and deliver a live, project closing conference for identified key stakeholders and project evaluation

The substantive outputs from the GenNZ project (See Results Platform): 1. A Research and Scoping study, a publishable quality 6000 word document and policy guide in 3 languages English, Greek and Slovenian. The report is underpinned by a rigorous green skills analysis through over 300 survey responses and over 40 experts from focus groups and 1:1 interviews, and literature. This study is valuable for employers and employees in the tourism and hospitality sectors locally, Nationally and internationally. The research elements of the report have been presented at 2 University hosted conferences in Tallinn and Belgrade, to sustainable management educators. 2 extended abstracts (English Greek Slovenian) have been published in conference proceedings and on Researchgate . 2. A KSB Green Competencies framework, for tourism, a KSB standard for evaluation, assessment, microdredentials. With a piloted 8 week training course, a purpose built (from scratch) Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) with and Teacher and Learner guides, all in 3 languages, English Greek Slovenian. 3. A robust Project Evaluation Report 4. A skills network and community of practice (with all target groups) through social media outreach and wworkshops