Preparing tomorrow’s workforce:  Meeting critical skill demands for circular economies

Educating the workforce in Recycling and Clean Energy (RaCE) skills is crucial for building a sustainable future and achieving net zero emissions. It is central to Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE)’s mission that, in response to industry requirements, learners at all levels have opportunities for skilling, reskilling, and upskilling to innovate and lead within those sectors.  

In this context, TRaCE launched the Circular Economies course in collaboration with SMaRT@UNSW, where students from different disciplines explored circular economy models, business strategies, economic drivers, and social policies in Australia and India. 

Let’s take a look back at the highlights of this course led by Sandeep Kirpalani, who is leading the workforce education program. In Australia, the students learned to categorise and evaluate different waste streams, from everyday items like food packaging to complex materials like electronics. They explored various recycling methods—mechanical, chemical, and thermal—while understanding the limits of conventional techniques. The course introduced them to the circular economy and life cycle assessment (LCA) frameworks, enhancing their research, presentation, and critical thinking skills essential for addressing advancing recycling technologies.  The students also undertook a day trip to the Shoalhaven City Council’s recycling MICROfactorieTM in Nowra, in partnership with Kandui Technologies, to practically learn about innovative waste management techniques and circular economy practices in regional Australia. 

Following this, the group undertook a 20-day study tour of India, to observe the real impacts of circular economies and engage with partners and local communities in New Delhi, Agra and Mumbai. India is characterised by diverse waste management practices, significant socio-economic impacts, large-scale innovative approaches and evolving policies, making it a compelling case study for global sustainability efforts. 

Key student learnings highlighted the transformative impact of sustainability practices: 

  • Industries pursuing circular supply chains require a blend of skills beyond the obvious, such as financial acumen, technological expertise (IT), and creative thinking, for example in fields like fashion where design innovation plays a pivotal role. 
  • Effective communication of products’ lifecycle and environmental impact is crucial to raise awareness and help consumers make informed choices and change their behaviours.  
  • Identifying and addressing regulatory and policy gaps is essential for implementing effective circular economy strategies and ensuring long-term goals are met. 
  • Making small, consistent advancements in sustainability practices can lead to significant breakthroughs and improvements. 

TRaCE’s Circular Economies course prepared learners to lead innovation in recycling, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. They will also assist organisations in adopting sustainable practices and navigating regulatory challenges.  

Now, let’s take a closer look at the impact of the Circular Economy course through the inspiring journey of Sarah, who transitioned from journalism to a fulfilling career in sustainability.  

Sarah’s Journey: From Journalist to Circular Economy Professional 

For students aspiring to make a significant impact with their careers, the RaCE sector presents a wealth of opportunities. These fields need a variety of skills, and Sarah’s journey shows how passion and the right education can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career. Let’s see how she successfully utilised her Circular Economy training to pivot into a sustainability communications role at the NESP Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub led by Professor Veena Sahajwalla.  

Sarah, once a journalist for ABC in Sydney and Associated Press in London, always had a passion for environmental stories. Her career took a turn when she started working in climate science communications for the NSW state government. Realising she needed deeper knowledge, she pursued a Master of Environmental Management at UNSW, where she discovered the TRaCE Circular Economy course. 

This course was a game-changer for Sarah. Over seven weeks of classroom learning and a three-week study tour in India, she explored various waste streams, recycling methods, and life cycle assessments. Field trips to places like the Shoalhaven City Council’s recycling MICROfactorieTM in Nowra, which is located next to the landfill provided hands-on insights into waste management and recycling technologies. “Seeing the juxtaposition of a landfill and the innovative recycling at the MICROfactorieTM was eye-opening,” Sarah recalls. “It changed my whole understanding of how we handle waste.” 

These experiences reshaped her understanding of sustainability and equipped her with the skills needed for a new career. Today, Sarah is a Communications Manager for the NESP Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub, which receives funding from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. She uses the systems thinking approach she developed to strengthen the impact of the Hub’s sustainability research through strategic and effective communication. 

Reflecting on her career transition, Sarah shares, “I knew I wanted to move from climate science to sustainability, but I wasn’t sure what that job would look like. The course provided the practical experiences and professional network I needed.” Her journey shows the diverse opportunities within the circular economy. 

Sarah advises others to immerse themselves in the field, build networks, and stay updated on industry trends. ” Start by emersing yourself in the circular economy space with things like podcasts, books and videos. Engage with the community and learn the language and trends of the industry” she suggests. Her future goals involve driving cultural change towards sustainability and continuing to create content that educates and inspires others. 

From journalism to circular economy professional, Sarah’s story showcases how education and passion can shape a career dedicated to making a positive environmental impact.  

You can follow her journey on Instagram and TikTok at @sustainable_sarahb. 

To learn more about TRaCE’s educational experiences and building capacity and capability in the recycling and clean energy fields, read more here and get in touch.