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Sitra opens a call for funding for circular economy training pilot projects

The circular economy will not be built without skilful professionals. Sitra’s call for funding for circular economy training pilot projects is open for vocational institutions and lifelong learning providers from 1 February to 30 March 2021.

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Antti Lehtinen

Specialist, Communications and Public Affairs

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The transformation of the economy towards a carbon-neutral circular economy The circular economy An economic model which does not focus on producing more and more goods, but in which consumption is based on using services – sharing, renting and recycling – instead of owning. Materials are not destroyed in the end, but are used to make new products over and over again. Open term page The circular economy is already underway and will only continue to accelerate.

The change concerns all of us, as the circular economy will change work and related competence needs. New jobs will be created, some jobs will disappear and the content of many jobs will change.

The transition requires updating competence in different sectors, at different educational levels and alongside work so that there will be enough decent work for everyone and everyone will be able to keep up with the change.

This is known as a just transition. It is also a question of competitiveness. The circular economy will not be built without skilled builders.

“A transition to circular business models can give Finnish companies a competitive advantage. The opportunity is also essential for Finland to reach its goals to be carbon-neutral by 2035. The transition will require plenty of new skills,” says Eero Jalava, circular economy specialist at Sitra.

“We do not yet know precisely what kind of expertise will be needed in different occupations, at different educational levels and in circular economy processes, or what would be the best way to teach these skills.”

In order to answer these questions, Sitra is opening a call for funding for vocational institutions and lifelong learning providers. Our aim is to increase expertise in a carbon-neutral circular economy in the technology, chemical and construction sectors.

A transition to a circular economy is not possible without new skills

The chosen sectors play a significant role in Finland’s employment and they have considerable circular economy potential.

The sectors can contribute to tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, and they have all already taken steps towards a carbon-neutral circular economy with the low-carbon road maps they have prepared, for example.

The call for funding is open for vocational institutions and organisations that offer lifelong learning content, such as universities, colleges and other similar parties. The application period is from 1 February to 31 March 2021.

Read more about the call for funding for circular economy training pilot projects.

Read more about applying and the selection criteria.

You can submit your application using an online form.

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