Core Insights - "Green collar" workers are specialized technical and managerial talents focused on the green industry, playing a crucial role in promoting green and low-carbon development [1][2] - The 2022 edition of the "Occupational Classification of the People's Republic of China" identifies 134 green occupations, accounting for approximately 8% of total occupations, covering areas such as energy conservation, environmental protection, clean energy, and green infrastructure upgrades [1] - In 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security will introduce 19 new occupations, including energy storage power station operation and maintenance administrators and electric quality administrators, which are recognized as green jobs [1] - New green occupations introduced this year include wind farm blade maintenance workers and hydrogen fuel cell testers [1] - The demand for composite "green collar" talents is increasing due to national strategic deployments in new energy, green manufacturing, and environmental technology [1] - The Ministry of Education has added 29 new undergraduate majors, including Carbon Neutrality Science and Engineering, to the 2025 directory of ordinary higher education institutions [1] - Institutions such as Beijing Normal University, Beijing University of Science and Technology, and Kunming University of Science and Technology are among the first to establish programs in Carbon Neutrality Science and Engineering, aiming to cultivate interdisciplinary innovative talents [1][2]

Core Insights - The demand for "green collar" talent in the "dual carbon" sector is approaching one million, while current practitioners number only around 100,000, indicating a significant talent gap [2][4][5]. Group 1: Definition and Scope of "Green Collar" Jobs - "Green collar" jobs are defined as those with characteristics related to environmental protection, low carbon, and recycling, as identified in the 2015 and 2022 editions of the "Occupational Classification Dictionary of the People's Republic of China" [3]. - The 2022 edition identified 134 green occupations across various fields, including energy conservation, environmental protection, clean production, and green services [3]. Group 2: Talent Demand and Salary Insights - The income for "green collar" jobs varies by region, experience, and industry, with entry-level positions earning between 100,000 to 250,000 yuan annually, while senior positions command higher salaries [5]. - Deloitte China predicts that proactive green transformation could create 38 million jobs by 2050, primarily in low-carbon industries [5]. Group 3: Opportunities for Young Professionals - The rise of "green collar" jobs is attributed to national strategies in renewable energy, green manufacturing, and environmental technology, creating new employment opportunities [7]. - Young professionals are increasingly drawn to "green collar" careers due to a strong interest in environmental sustainability and favorable career prospects, despite initial lower salaries [9]. Group 4: Need for Composite Talent Development - The demand for specialized talent in the "dual carbon" sector extends across various industries, requiring skills in new energy technologies, green materials, and understanding of ESG frameworks [11]. - The introduction of new academic programs, such as "Carbon Neutrality Science and Engineering," aims to cultivate composite professionals capable of bridging technical and sustainability domains [11]. Group 5: Case Study of a New Profession - The role of energy storage station operators exemplifies the emerging "green collar" jobs, involving both on-site maintenance and online monitoring of energy systems [14]. - Industry experts emphasize the need for improved training and certification systems to support the healthy development of energy storage operator roles [14].

Core Insights - The shortage of "green" talent has reached a critical level, with a projected global need for 30 million professionals related to carbon neutrality by 2050, while China's demand during the 14th Five-Year Plan period is nearly one million, with only about 100,000 currently in the field [1][2][8]. Automotive Industry Insights - The automotive sector is facing an urgent need for "green" professionals as it transitions towards low-carbon and zero-carbon technologies, with the demand for talent in this area expected to grow significantly [2][3]. - The automotive industry is a key area for the implementation of the dual carbon strategy, and the demand for "green" talent is expected to increase as the market for new energy vehicles expands and traditional fuel vehicles face stricter emissions requirements [2][3]. Talent Development and Education - There is a pressing need to establish a comprehensive carbon neutrality academic system and accelerate the training of related professionals, as there are currently no dedicated programs for carbon neutrality globally [8][11]. - Educational institutions are encouraged to strengthen programs related to carbon neutrality, including courses on new energy vehicle technology, low-carbon materials, and carbon footprint accounting, while also integrating interdisciplinary courses to foster comprehensive skills [8][11]. Industry Collaboration - Strengthening collaboration between universities, research institutions, and automotive companies is essential for developing "green" technologies and training programs, promoting knowledge transfer and improving the quality of talent development [11]. - The automotive industry should focus on a collaborative approach to talent cultivation, transformation, and attraction, integrating real industry scenarios into educational systems to enhance graduates' employability and green awareness [11][12]. Emerging Opportunities - The introduction of the "Carbon Neutrality Science and Engineering" major in universities marks a significant step towards addressing the talent gap, with three universities already approved to offer this program [12]. - As smart manufacturing and green energy technologies converge, the automotive industry is expected to create numerous green job opportunities, positioning "green" talent as a crucial driver for high-quality and sustainable development [12].