ABSTRACT

This book proposes transformative, realist methodology for skills research and planning through an analysis of case studies of the changing world of work, new learning pathways and educational system challenges.

Studies of the green economy and sustainability transitions are a growing field internationally, however there are few books that link this interest to the development of skills. This book draws on, and showcases, the experience and insights of researcher-practitioners who are at the cutting edge in this emerging field, internationally and in South Africa. The context for this book is South Africa, but application is worldwide. In many ways indicative of the global picture, South Africa is in the grip of economic and environmental imperatives, searching for safe and just transitions. The authors present a new, embedded transitioning systems model for studying skills for a sustainable, just future.

This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of sustainable development, ecological economics and skills planning.

chapter 2|19 pages

Green economy transitions and skills

Global and South African perspectives

chapter 3|17 pages

Mining

A laminated, dialectic methodology for identifying not-yet-obvious green skills demand

chapter 4|14 pages

Green skills for agriculture

A method for focusing demand analysis and prioritisation

chapter 5|16 pages

Surface coatings

Occupational analysis and green skills

chapter 6|16 pages

Learning pathways into environmental specialisations

A boundaryless careers perspective

chapter 7|16 pages

Transitioning into work

A learning and work transitioning process perspective

chapter 8|15 pages

Probing the potential of social ecosystemic skills approaches for green skills planning

Perspectives from Expanded Public Works Programme studies

chapter 10|14 pages

Green skills supply

Research from providers’ vantage point(s)

chapter 14|16 pages

Green skills research

Implications for systems, policy, work and learning