RMIT Online have launched a Sustainability and Social Impact course, to equip employees with the skills to articulate an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. With the support of Deloitte, Thankyou and Humanitech, the course will highlight the way firms must re-design themselves in line with changing needs of investors, govts and the public.
Why is RMIT Online’s course a relevant addition?
As the world focuses on sustainable development goals, environmental issues and climate change, businesses are under intense scrutiny from consumers and investors to address these problems. Research from Deloitte shows the benefits of doing so are environmental and financial, however to capture the opportunities, action needs to significantly accelerate.
Green talent in the workforce is rising. A 2022 report from LinkedIn revealed the share of green talent increased from 9.6% in 2015, to 13.3% in 2021 (a growth rate of 38.5%).
Australia stands to lose $3.4T by 2070 if we don’t act fast, but could gain $680bn with rapid, focused action. RMIT Online’s Sustainability and Social Impact course is designed to enhance the effectiveness of professionals in a broad range of industries and to identify the benefits to their firm, or team, for adopting an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy.
What were the executives’ thoughts on the course?
Thankyou Co-founder and MD, Daniel Flynn, said this course represents “A positive shift from businesses in the wake of COVID towards prioritising environmental and social strategies.”
For Daniel Flynn, a brand’s mission and responsible business goals are intrinsically linked. “The only way we’re going to be able to achieve real substantial change is through the power of people. Employees are eager to work in sustainable, values-driven firms, so providing them the opportunity and skills to succeed will go a long way to creating a lasting impact.”
RMIT Online Interim CEO, Claire Hopkins, says the green skills hiring market needs a complete upheaval to focus on skills and abilities. “Skills in sustainability, social impact and ESG are largely being utilised in positions we wouldn’t consider. As the number of professionals required to have a background in strategic sustainability increases, we need to be prepared.”
“Gov’ts and other stakeholders must all come together to achieve this transition. This starts with transitioning the job market towards skills aimed towards the future of work,” she said.
RMIT Online’s Social Impact and Sustainability course to equip employees with the skills to articulate ESG launched 9 August, with the first run set to kick off from 26 September 2022.
