Some aspects of the environmental labour market in five European countries and conclusions with respect to environmental curricula

The environmental labour market in the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the Netherlands was evaluated by analysing up to 120 job advertisements in each country. The conditions and requirements were grouped into 11 categories showing clear similarities and differences between the five countries. Further evaluation of the data gives evidence that the private sector plays a significant role for technical environmental professionals in Europe. As a central task, conclusions regarding degree and knowledge requirements, respectively, and the importance of a variety of skills are drawn. Suggestions are made how the findings can be accounted for in environmental curricula. Furthermore the role of networks for the graduates' entry into the labour market is emphazised.