MOENV Launched "Net-Zero Green-Collar Talent Training Program" Started in April

In the global trend of actively promoting net-zero emissions policies by 2050, "green-collar talent" with expertise in carbon inventory, carbon footprint, carbon reduction, and carbon management has become the most in-demand in the industry.

To accelerate the cultivation of such professionals, the National Environmental Research Institute (NERA) of the Ministry of the Environment (MOENV), in collaboration with 28 universities nationwide, has established the "Net-Zero Green-Collar Talent Training Alliance" and launched a 48-hour "Net-Zero Green-Collar Talent Training Program." The course fee is NT$12,000, with discounts available for students under 30 and those from low-income households. The goal is to quickly address the shortage of green-collar talent through the dual-track approach of policy and educational resources.

Demand for Green-collar Talent Surges with a Growth Rate of 1 to 3 Times in the Next 5 Years

According to the "Green-Collar Staff Employment Trend Report" released by the MOENV, nearly 3,600 companies in Taiwan offered green-collar job vacancies in 2024, with an average monthly demand of 22,000-person. The demand is expected to grow 3.29 times over the next eight years, with the talent gap closely following the AI industry’s 29,000-person shortage, highlighting the rapid growth in demand for green-collar talent.

Minister of the MOENV, Chi-Ming Peng , pointed out that starting in 2025, all listed companies will be required to prepare sustainability reports, disclosing their performance and plans in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) areas. Beginning in 2026, the MOENV will also impose a carbon fee on electricity, gas supply, and manufacturing industries emitting over 25,000 tons of CO2e annually.

"Currently, only 7% of companies offer green-collar related job vacancies. However, with the releasing of regulations and increasing international pressure to reduce carbon emissions, it is estimated that green-collar job vacancies will see a 1 to 3 times growth in the next 5 years. The market's demand for talent with knowledge in carbon management and emission reduction will continue to rise," said Minister Peng.

4 Regional Training Centers, 28 Universities Collaborate to Build Talent Base

The "Net-Zero Green-Collar Talent Training Alliance" has established regional training centers in the North, Central, South, and East regions, partnering with 28 universities across Taiwan. These centers cover major cities in Taiwan, allowing participants to attend classes locally, reduce learning costs, and expand participation.

🔹 Northern Training Center:
National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), National Central University (NCU), National Tsing Hua University (NTHU).
🔹 Central Training Center:
National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (NYUST), National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), National Taichung University of Education (NTCU), Tunghai University (THU), Feng Chia University (FCU), Da-Yeh University (DYU), National Chi Nan University (NCNU), National United University (NUU).
🔹 Southern Training Center:
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), National Chung Cheng University (NCCU), National Chiayi University (NCYU), Kun Shan University (KSU), Chung Hwa Medical University (HWAI), National University of Kaohsiung (NUK), National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), Cheng Shiu University, Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages.
🔹 Eastern Training Center:
Tzu Chi University, National Ilan University (TCU), Fo Guang University (FGU), National Dong Hwa University (NDHU), National Taitung University (NTTU), National Penghu University of Science and Technology (NPU), National Quemoy University (NQU), National Taiwan Ocean University- Lienchiang Campus (NTOU).

"The establishment of the Alliance allows participants not only to study locally at universities but also to interact with experts and students from different regions, fostering knowledge exchange and resource integration and enhancing the effectiveness of learning," said Minister Peng.

The Course is Suitable for Non-Engineering Backgrounds Participants

The MOENV stated that the course design balances theory and practice, covering the following topics:
✅ Climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) management
✅ Carbon Footprint Verification (CFV)
✅ Voluntary Emission Reduction (Carbon Credit)
✅ Carbon Footprint of Product

The course contains a total of 48 hours of instruction. Each regional training center is expected to begin offering classes in late April, with professional instructors leading the sessions to help participants build a solid professional foundation.

Tsung-Yung Liu, President of the NERA, specifically pointed out, "Many people mistakenly believe that net-zero emissions courses are only suitable for those with an engineering background. In fact, the training course launched by the MOENV is suitable for participants without an engineering background, especially for those interested in climate policy, environmental regulations, and corporate sustainability."

Transforming Green-collar Workforce into Green-collar Talent to Enhance Competitiveness

The MOENV emphasized that the "Climate Change Professional Training Program" not only enhances the professionalism of green industry workers but also allows the "green-collar workforce" to be transformed into "green-collar talent."
Green-Collar Workforce: Refers to employees in the green industry, primarily involved in green production, environmental protection, and sustainable development-related work.
Green-Collar Talent: Refers to individuals who have received professional courses and technical training and/or passed relevant exams, possessing higher professional qualifications and competitiveness, and capable of playing a leading and innovative role in the green industry.

"With the rapid development of the environmental protection industry, merely possessing basic skills is no longer sufficient to meet market demands. Only through comprehensive training and practical experience accumulation can one be out-standing in the market," said Minister Peng.

Tuition Discounts to Encourage Participation from Youth and the Disadvantaged

To encourage more youth and the disadvantaged to participate, the course offers the following tuition discount schemes:
🔸 Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral students under 30 years old: 50% subsidy (NT$6,000).
🔸Low-income households: Full subsidy (NT$12,000).

Additionally, students who complete the training and pass the test at the first time will receive an official certification from the MOENV and enjoy the corresponding tuition discounts.

Registration Information:
Those interested in participating in the course can browsing for detailed registration information from 9:00 AM on April 1st on the NERA’s "Net-Zero Green-Collar Talent Training Program."
Registration Page: https://ulvis.net/iTs8

This is a rare opportunity, NERA encourage participants to sign up and to become a key player in leading the future green economy!

The NERA reminds that the 28 universities participating in the "Net-Zero Green-Collar Talent Training Alliance" across Taiwan will begin offering classes in late April. If the registration is fully booked, participants can wait for the next session or register for a class at a nearby participating universities.

Cross-ministerial Level Collaboration to Cultivate Green-collar Talent

In response to the national policy of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, various ministries are actively promoting the cultivation of green-collar talent, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability. As climate change and carbon reduction demands continue to rise globally, developing talent with professional green skills has become a key issue for national development. Currently, the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Council of Indigenous Peoples have begun collaborating with the MOENV to actively discuss the establishment of "Net-Zero Green-Collar Talent Programs." Through these programs, professional training will be provided in the green technologies and knowledge required across various fields. The aim is to cultivate outstanding talent capable of promoting carbon reduction and green transformation across industries, further contributing to the country's goal of achieving net-zero emissions.