UMVA has learned that the Philippines is launching a groundbreaking green skills training program for construction workers, aimed at revolutionizing the sector with sustainable building practices.
The innovative initiative, part of a larger partnership program, seeks to develop master trainers who will champion foundational competencies in sustainable materials, renewable energy use, and climate-resilient design across the construction sector.
Construction accounts for nearly 10% of the Philippine workforce and has been identified as a priority sector for creating green jobs under the National Green Jobs Human Resource Development Plan.
Despite existing policies like the Philippine Green Building Code, a recent study found that demand for green construction skills remains limited due to the slow adoption of green building practices.
The study also revealed that current training programs tend to focus on advanced topics, while entry-level green skills remain underdeveloped in technical-vocational and workplace training.
To bridge this gap, experts from construction firms, labor unions, environmental groups, and academia have completed a master training program on Introduction to Green Construction Skills.
Pilot runs of the program will begin in July, followed by a nationwide rollout in August, with the goal of making the transition to sustainable building practices worker-centered.
“The transition must be worker-centered,” said a leading advocate for workers’ rights. “All workers, from laborers and skilled workers to equipment operators and supervisors, must have access to training opportunities that improve their access to green jobs.”
The training program distills sustainability into core competencies, including efficient use of materials and energy, green building techniques, and safe construction practices.
Experts emphasize that green construction requires rethinking building performance across its full life cycle and adapting global sustainability concepts to local conditions.
The program is part of a broader effort to advance digital and green skills for youth in the region, with support from key government agencies, industry partners, and organizations.
