Authors:
- Suresh K. Dhameja
- Naeem Yaqoob
- Arlene Monge
- Stephanie Rimas
- Colombo Plan Staff College, Manila, Philippines
Abstract:
The growing imperative for sustainable development has intensified the transformation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems towards green, digital, and inclusive competencies. This study examines the extent of green skills integration in TVET institutions across selected Asia-Pacific countries focusing on institutional practices, skill gaps, industry collaboration, and implementation challenges. A descriptive-exploratory design was employed using survey data from TVET professionals participating in a regional capacity-building program in Thailand. Findings indicate that the regional TVET systems are in a transitional stage of green transformation, with moderate to high integration of green technical skills, circular economy concepts, climate-resilient practices, and sustainability governance. However, significant gaps persist in circular economy/resource efficiency skills, digital-green competencies, and applied green innovation. Institutional practices are strongest in green campus initiatives and curriculum integration while inclusive industry partnerships remain limited. Collaboration with industry is largely concentrated on internships and training with weaker engagement in research and policy development. Employment outcomes from green skills training are perceived as moderate, thereby reflecting an emerging but still developing green labor market linkage. Key challenges include limited funding, insufficient faculty expertise, weak industry linkages, and inadequate infrastructure. The study underscores the need for a more integrated ecosystem approach to strengthen TVET capacity and accelerate inclusive green skills development in the region.
| Keywords: | Greening TVET, Digital Transformation, Sustainability, Green Paradigm, Green Economy, Green Transformation, Circular Economy |
