Kompetenzen für Klimaanpassung – Abschlussbericht (Skills and competencies for adaptation to climate change - the role of professional education)

The report focuses on identifying the competencies necessary for climate adaptation and integrating them within vocational training in Germany.

It shows how vocational education and training can contribute to the implementation of climate adaptation measures by fostering vocational competences.  It starts with an assessment of the current situation, by identifying the competences relevant for the implementation of climate adaptation measures, which are already taught in training or academic curricula of selected professions. The selection of the exemplificatory professions was based on their direct relevance to implementing climate adaptation measures, particularly in urban areas:  the knowledge and training needs of roofers, environmental technologists for water supply, environmental technologists for wastewater management and landscape architects are thus analyzed in detail in the report.

The competence requirements were identified by looking at the climate adaptation measures whose implementation requires the involvement professionals of the respective occupations are involved. To determine these requirements, the study analyzed the relevant regulatory instruments within the German legislation, in particular the training regulations, and draw insights from experts’ interviews.

The study then details the professional competences needed in these occupations in order to tackle in the best way present and future challenges brought about for them by the societal transformation towards a climate-adapted society.

All in all, climate adaptation competences turn out to be already taught within the training and academic curricula of the selected professions. However, there are both technical and personal competences that need to be integrated into vocational education and training in the future. The study recommends integrating climate adaptation into vocational training regulations and curricula, strengthening relevant topics in cross-trade training courses, and qualifying training personnel to effectively teach climate adaptation content. Addressing the knowledge needs of different professional levels, from apprentices to master craftsmen to business owners, considering the specific context and opportunities within each profession, cooperating with industry associations and in general developing a strong network of relevant stakeholders are also seen as important considerations in this matter.