🛠️ Skills and Workforce #57

Hello 👋

This week's global labour market dynamics highlight contrasting trends. In the US, private sector jobs fell by 32,000, with Germany facing a severe downturn leading to a contraction of roughly 300,000 jobs. Contrastingly, India’s labor market saw rapid expansion in formal employment, with the economy adding 16M jobs.

Nations accelerate upskilling initiatives across vital sectors. NASSCOM and IBM partner to train 87,000 youth in AI and digital skills, Oracle launched a three-year AI and big-data program in Mongolia, and FedEx rolled out AI education schemes. Healthcare efforts include Colorado’s $6M training centre, Grossmont’s $4M upskilling grants, and Exeter College’s $1.3M NHS facility. Green skills grow via AFDB–Kenya university partnerships, Aberdeen’s green skills fund, and Queensland’s mobile renewable-energy training centers. Advanced manufacturing support includes $3.6M for Johnston College to train Vulcan Elements workers, NAVA’s specialized EV manufacturing workforce programs, and ASC–Austal’s advanced naval additive manufacturing training.

Thanks for reading!

Global Labor Market Trends

📉 The US Private Sector Faces Steep Job Cuts. The US private-sector jobs fell by 32,000 in November, driven by recessionary pressures and losses in the manufacturing, construction, and professional services sectors. This downturn signals contractions in labor demand due to increased speculation on Federal Reserve rate cuts.

⚠️ Germany Faces Steep Labor Market Contractions. The industrial sector in Germany is facing a severe downturn, leading to roughly 300,000 job losses driven by high energy costs, weakening export demand, and global competitiveness. Driven by inflationary pressures and relocation of major industries, it signals the downturn in labour demand and supply amid recessions across the EU.

🚀 India Records Rapid Expansion In Formal Employment. The Indian economy added 16M jobs between 2017-2024 while reducing the unemployment rate to 3.2% driven by enhanced growth in the digital economy, rapid service industry expansion, and boosted infrastructure investment. Labour reforms introduced by the state also stimulate job creation across multiple industries in India.ook as efficiency improvements suppress labor demand in certain industries.

Green Skills

🔋 Queensland Launches Mobile Renewable Energy Training Facility. TAFE Queensland develops the first Mobile Renewable Energy Training Facility (MRETFs), bringing solar, wind, hydro, and hydrogen training to remote communities. The $4.5 M initiative includes XR learning, micro-credentials, and nationally accredited units, supporting regional workforce development and clean energy transition.

🌿 AfDB Launches Green Careers Caravan to Equip Kenya’s Youth with Sustainable Skills. African Development Bank partners with Kenyan universities to deliver the Green Careers Caravan, reaching students with training in renewable energy, carbon markets, and regenerative agriculture. The program addresses youth unemployment and equips graduates with skills for emerging green-economy careers.

🌍 Aberdeen Launches Green Skills Fund to Boost Training Opportunities. Aberdeen City Council launches a green skills fund via ABZWorks, backed by UK Shared Prosperity funding. The Fund supports residents in welding, energy, and hydrogen technologies as well as retrofitting, construction, and plumbing. The program provides 71 training places, financial support, and guidance for employed and unemployed participants.

Advanced Manufacturing Skills

🏭 Johnston Community College Receives $3.6 M to Train Vulcan Elements Workforce. JCC secures a $3.6M Golden LEAF grant to prepare employees for Vulcan Elements’ rare-earth magnet plant in Benson. Training takes place at JCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility. This initiative is expected to support approximately 1,000 jobs and develop an advanced manufacturing talent pipeline for local industries.

🚗 NAVA Partners with CEER to Launch EV Manufacturing Technology Diploma Program. NAVA signs agreement with CEER to launch Intermediate Diploma in Automotive Manufacturing Technology. The program trains 300 Saudi trainees, strengthens EV manufacturing capabilities, supports industrial localization, and develops national talent.

🛠️ ASC and Austal Partner to Expand Additive Manufacturing in Australia’s Naval Programs. ASC and Austal sign MoU to accelerate additive manufacturing in Collins and Virginia Class submarines. This Partnership strengthens domestic AM supply chain, scales metal 3D printing, and introduces training programs to upskill technicians and engineers across shipbuilding and sustainment operations.

AI & Digital Skills

🧑‍🎓 NASSCOM Foundation and IBM to Train Youth in AI and Digital Skills. NASSCOM Foundation and IBM partner to train 87,000 Indian youth in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. The program offers industry-aligned curricula, digital certifications, and mentorship to enhance employability and build a robust talent pipeline for India's growing tech sector.

🌐 Mongolia Launches Three-Year AI and Big Data Skills Program with Oracle. The Mongolian Ministry of Digital Development partners with Oracle to launch a three-year national AI and big data skills program. This initiative will train professionals in advanced analytics and machine learning, building a digital-ready workforce to support the country's technological and economic growth.

📦 FedEx Empowers Global Workforce with AI Education and Literacy Program. FedEx is rolling out a global AI education initiative to enhance digital literacy across its workforce. The program provides employees with practical training in AI tools and data analysis to improve operational efficiency and prepare them for the evolving logistics landscape.

Health Skills

📜 Grossmont Healthcare District Awards Nearly $4M to Strengthen Health Services. The Grossmont Healthcare District allocated nearly $4M in grants to bolster community health and wellness services across East San Diego County. Funding will expand mental health programs, senior care, preventive health education, and workforce training initiatives for local healthcare providers.

🏥 Exeter College Opens $1.3M NHS Training Facility for Next-Generation Staff. Exeter College completed a $1.3M upgrade to its healthcare training center, featuring simulation wards and advanced medical equipment. The facility will train hundreds of future NHS nurses, paramedics, and allied health professionals through hands-on, industry-standard programs.

🧠 Colorado State University Launches $6M Center to Expand Behavioral Health Workforce. Colorado State University established a new $6M center dedicated to training behavioral health professionals. The initiative will increase the pipeline of counselors, social workers, and psychologists through expanded degree programs, certifications, and community-based training partnerships.

Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!
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