Engaging Youth in Green Careers: Lessons from the Vienna Green Jobs Case Study

Introduction

As the world faces the pressing challenge of climate change, the need for a sustainable
workforce has never been greater. Yet, motivating young people to pursue careers in the
green economy remains a complex task. The Vienna Green Jobs Case Study, part of the EU
Horizon-funded GREAT project, offers a pioneering approach to bridging this gap by
integrating game-based learning into policy discussions. Conducted between October 2023
and October 2024, this study engaged 191 students from nine Austrian schools to explore
their perceptions of green careers and assess the effectiveness of digital tools in
policymaking engagement.

The Power of Games in Policy Engagement

One of the standout aspects of this initiative was its use of a dilemma-based role-playing
game, developed in collaboration with Serious Games Interactive (SGI). The game provided
a dynamic platform for students to voice their opinions on green jobs, encouraging them to
navigate real-world career dilemmas through interactive gameplay. By leveraging digital
engagement, the study aimed to make policy discussions more accessible to young people,
particularly those who may otherwise feel disconnected from traditional policymaking
processes.

Key Findings: What Motivates Young People to Go Green?

The study revealed several insights into what drives and hinders young people when
considering careers in sustainability:
 Financial Security Matters: Many students cited job stability, salary prospects, and
long-term career growth as key factors influencing their choices.
 Role Models Are Key: Students were more likely to consider green careers if they
had direct exposure to professionals in the field.
 Work-Life Balance & Job Satisfaction: Careers that offered flexibility and a clear
sense of purpose resonated strongly with participants.
 Diversity & Inclusion: There was a significant need to address gender and non-
binary representation in green job sectors, as these groups often felt
underrepresented or discouraged from pursuing such careers.

Bridging the Gap: Policy Recommendations

The study provided concrete recommendations for policymakers to enhance green career
engagement among young people:
1. Incentivize Green Careers: Offering financial incentives like scholarships, tax
benefits, or free public transportation could make these jobs more attractive.
2. Enhance Career Education: Schools should integrate discussions on sustainability
careers early on, including workshops and mentorship programs with industry
professionals.
3. Make Learning Interactive: The success of the dilemma-based role-playing game
suggests that digital engagement could be an important component of future green
job campaigns.
4. Promote Workplace Diversity: Encouraging more women and non-binary
individuals to pursue green careers through targeted outreach and support initiatives
is crucial.
5. Strengthen Collaboration: Partnerships between policymakers, educators, and
industry leaders can create more holistic and impactful strategies for green job
promotion.

Looking Ahead

The findings from this case study have already influenced Austrian policy initiatives such as
the “Klimaschulen” campaign and the upcoming “Bildungslabore” program. By adopting
innovative, youth-centric approaches, policymakers can create a more inclusive and
engaged future workforce, ensuring that today’s young people are not just passive observers
but active contributors to a greener, more sustainable world.

Conclusion

The Vienna Green Jobs Case Study serves as a compelling blueprint for engaging young
people in sustainability careers. By leveraging interactive learning and participatory
policymaking, this initiative demonstrates the power of digital innovation in shaping the
workforce of the future. As governments and educators continue to explore new ways to
integrate climate action into career planning, lessons from this study offer valuable guidance
on how to make green jobs more appealing and accessible to the next generation.

https://zenodo.org/records/14810005