TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Environment Research Academy, under the Ministry of Environment, has partnered with 28 universities in Taiwan to launch a green talent training program.
The program will offer 48 hours of courses, with registration opening Tuesday, and 2,500 course slots available for NT$12,000 (US$384). Participants under 30 will receive a 50% discount, and low-income individuals can enroll for free, per CNA.
According to the ministry, the program will include courses on greenhouse gas management, climate policy, environmental regulations, and corporate sustainability.
The ministry said the program, tailored for non-technical professionals, will begin in late April at universities across Taiwan, including National Taiwan Normal University, National Cheng Kung University, and Tzu Chi University.
Nearly 3,600 companies in Taiwan posted green job vacancies last year, with an average monthly demand for 22,000 positions, the ministry said. It also noted that the demand for green talent has more than tripled over the past eight years.
The tech sector led green job recruitment in Taiwan last year, with more than 4,300 positions posted monthly, followed by manufacturing with 3,200 and construction with 2,700. Around 80% of the job opportunities were concentrated in six major cities and Hsinchu.
With stricter environmental regulations and the growing global push for carbon reduction, the ministry predicts the demand for green talent will triple over the next five years.
Environmental Minister Peng Qi-ming (彭啟明) said that starting this year, all publicly listed companies will be required to produce sustainability reports, outlining their ESG plans and performance.
Beginning next year, the ministry will impose a carbon fee on power, gas supply, and manufacturing sectors with annual greenhouse gas emissions exceeding 25,000 tonnes, Peng said.
The carbon fee is expected to range from NT$300 to NT$500 per ton. The ministry estimates the government could collect approximately NT$6 billion from this annually.
