Workforce WindsorEssex has provided evidence that the region is a fertile area for green jobs.
The development board released on Friday, "The Green Economy of Windsor-Essex". The report is an Employment Ontario project made possible by funding from the federal and provincial governments.
A green economy is defined in the report as "low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive."
"As the local landscape continues to shift toward more sustainable practices, we can expect to see a similar transition in the local labour market, resulting in diverse job opportunities for job seekers and a healthier environment for the community," said Workforce WindsorEssex Research Associate Kal Fakhreddin.
Among the recommendations for employers shown in the report are participating in accelerator programs geared toward green businesses, networking with other local green businesses, and researching training opportunities to upskill staff and introduce them to sustainability practices.
For job seekers, recommendations include researching pathways for green jobs that match skills, developing skills through certification and apprenticeship, and volunteering in the green industry.
Adam Castle, WETech Alliance Director of Venture Services, said the report outlines the economic changes coming to the region.
"Much like we saw non-tech companies begin adopting a tech workforce to drive their evolution over the last century, we will see a day when all businesses participate in efforts to become environmentally sustainable," said Castle. "Our region’s workforce is prime to meet this demand head-on, both for jobs that exist today and the ones that will be vital for tomorrow."
The report can be found on the official Workforce WindsorEssex website.