In today’s world, sustainability is more than just a buzzword – it is a movement that touches every industry and sector. Javier García Gómez, a Primary Education Teacher and Coordinator of European Educational Projects at Inercia Digital, led the charge in making green jobs and sustainability accessible to students and professionals. Inercia Digital is a Vocational Training Center of Excellence specialized in training and innovation in digital skills at an international level. Inercia Digital, implemented several significant projects aimed at sustainability, including Green Jobs Ambassadors, IT-ARGF, and STAR.
Javier, you’ve worked on various sustainability projects at Inercia Digital. Could you tell us a bit about the Green Jobs Ambassadors project and its main objectives?
The Green Jobs Ambassadors project aimed to raise awareness about the importance of green jobs among students in vocational and technical schools across partner countries. Our goal was to promote the green professions that were vital for the green transition driven by the European Green Deal. We wanted to get young people excited about ecology and the green skills required for future jobs in sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation.
One of the main goals was to create a network of Green Jobs Ambassadors, who would lead workshops and activities to promote green careers. They were equipped with educational tools and resources, including operational manuals and workshop guides. Through this initiative, we reached 3,000 students, raised awareness among 100,000 individuals online, and built a community that is committed to the environment and sustainability.
What activities did you implement as part of the Green Jobs Ambassadors project?
Firstly, we established a network of Green Jobs Ambassadors, who get trained in Tallinn, Estonia. Then they conducted workshops and training sessions for vocational and technical school students. These workshops focused on green professions and the skills needed to pursue them. Along with these sessions, we promoted the project through international conferences, our website, and social media channels to spread the message to a broader audience. We were confident that these activities engaged a wide range of people and encouraged them to learn more about the green job market.
Another project you were involved in was IT-ARGF, which focused on agriculture and biodiversity. Can you explain the main objectives of this project and how it relates to sustainability?
The IT-ARGF (Innovative Training- Augmented Reality for Green Food) project was designed to help farmers in Europe adopt more sustainable practices by using innovative technology, such as augmented reality (AR), to improve food production and conserve biodiversity. The project addressed the pressing issue of biodiversity loss in agricultural lands, which was a major concern for food security. Our goal was to equip farmers, particularly those involved in organic food production,
with the skills and tools they needed to increase their crop yields while preserving the environment. By integrating augmented reality into agricultural training, we enhanced farmers’ knowledge and skills, ensuring they were more efficient and better equipped to care for biodiversity. Ultimately, this project provided long-term, sustainable solutions that improved both agricultural productivity and environmental conservation.
How did you see the use of technology, like augmented reality, transforming the agricultural sector in terms of sustainability?
Augmented reality had the potential to revolutionize the agricultural sector by providing farmers with real-time, on-site guidance. For example, AR helped them identify plant diseases, optimize irrigation practices, and understand the specific needs of different crops. This personalized, hands-on approach significantly improved the efficiency of farming operations while reducing the environmental impact.
Through IT-ARGF, we made technology more accessible to farmers, particularly in regions where agricultural education and resources were limited. By integrating AR into agricultural training programs, we empowered farmers to make more informed decisions that benefited both their businesses and the environment.
Lastly, let’s talk about the STAR project. How did it contribute to sustainable tourism and what were its main objectives?
The STAR (Sustainable Travellers – a guide to environmental, touristic sustainability) project focused on promoting sustainable tourism practices among adults, trainers, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector. This project aimed to motivate individuals and businesses to adopt more sustainable behaviors, such as reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and supporting local ecosystems. The tourism industry has a huge impact on the environment, and we believed that by providing training and resources, we could help the sector become more sustainable.
One of the key features of the STAR project was a free, interactive mobile app (for Android and iOS) that educated users about sustainable travel and eco-friendly practices. We also offered practical tools, such as a guide to creating sustainable tourism plans, that SMEs could use to integrate sustainability into their business models. Additionally, we organized workshops, created policy suggestions, and facilitated knowledge exchanges between partners to drive change in the tourism sector.
How do you see the future of sustainability in Education and the workplace?
The future of sustainability looks incredibly promising. More and more sectors are recognizing the importance of integrating sustainability into their practices, and education playing a vital role in this transformation. By equipping students with green skills and promoting sustainable practices in vocational education, we ensure that the next generation is ready to tackle the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.
The workplace is also evolving. Green jobs were no longer niche roles – they are becoming mainstream and essential across a wide range of industries. As sustainability becomes more integrated into business models, it opens up new opportunities for individuals who are trained in sustainable practices.
