TREE project will address the following needs: Provision of common definitions of “green skills” for the plastics, wood and agrifood sector; Provision of training for teachers to implement Education for Sustainable Development in VET institutions; Increase of VET students environmental awareness and “green skills”; Integrating the teaching of ESD in VET institutions to provide “green skills”; Harmonization of educational policies for promotion of the green transition and the CE; Establishing closer cooperation between businesses and VET institutions.
The linear economy model (take – make – waste) currently in use is showing all its limitations over time. For this reason, the EU is promoting an alternative economic system designed to regenerate itself and ensure its eco-sustainability called circular economy (CE). In fact, CE can help countries to reach the global climate goals, changing the way they produce and consume goods. Companies have started to consider the fight against waste as their priority, adopting more sustainable practices. This will also affect the job market because, as stated in the EU Green Deal (2019), “the circular economy offers great potential for new activities and jobs”, connected with low-emission production processes and sustainable products. Thus, it is essential that future workers acquire knowledge related to the CE and sustainability, strengthening their green skills (EC, Education for Climate Action). This is particularly urgent in the economic sectors identified as priorities by the European Commission such as wood, plastics and agrifood. A fundamental role in this changing process will be played by VET centres in order to “engage with pupils, parents, and the wider community on the changes needed for a successful transition" (EU Green Deal).