Impacts of the climate transition on skills in the labour market

This report aims to examine the challenges and risks facing the EU and its Member States (MSs) regarding frictions in the labour market and the adaptation of the workforce’s skill set to meet the demands of the climate transition. The study finds that, from now to 2050, between 150 000 and 500 000 EU workers will need to be re-trained or re-skilled each year. The largest share of re-training and re-skilling needs is linked to the expansion of EVs and wind and solar power technologies, with other technologies making up a smaller share. While significant at first glance, these figures represent less than 1% of the working age population.

Occupations mostly required for the climate transition include highly qualified managers, and professionals in: business, IT services, science and engineering, as well as more medium-skilled jobs, like electricians and machinery workers. Other roles include assemblers, plant operators, and low-skilled construction and manufacturing workers.