One of the central aims of the European Union is the Green Deal. Europe wants to become the first climate-neutral continent. The European Green Deal is the EU's roadmap for transitioning into a modern, resource-efficient, competitive economy. By 2050, economic growth should be decoupled from resource use, and net emissions of greenhouse gases should be a thing of the past. To achieve this involves numerous requirements and regulations at the European level, which are reflected in the national rules of the member states.

The paper examines Austria's strategic incorporation of green skills into its vocational education system as part of the broader European Green Transition initiative and outlines the educational reforms and frameworks implemented to align vocational training with sustainability goals. Austria has committed to achieving net-zero emissions in electricity production by 2030 and full climate neutrality by 2040, necessitating a workforce equipped with specialized knowledge in green technologies.

The European Union’s Green Deal serves as the foundation for many national initiatives. Vocational education in Austria plays a crucial role in preparing students for this transition by integrating "green skills" into curricula, which are essential for fostering sustainable practices across a variety of sectors such as engineering, technology, and business management.

Green Jobs, as defined by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), encompass roles that significantly contribute to environmental preservation and restoration. The demand for such jobs is growing, particularly in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and research and development. Green Skills, which underpin Green Jobs, refer to the abilities, values, and knowledge necessary to reduce the environmental impacts of human activity. These competencies are increasingly embedded in Austria's vocational education system through targeted curricular reforms.

Austria’s vocational education system is designed with flexibility, allowing students to choose between general education and vocational tracks, with 71% opting for vocational programs. This system is integral to maintaining Austria’s relatively low youth unemployment rate, as vocational training provides practical skills that are in demand in the labor market.

Key reforms in Austria’s vocational education system include updating curricula to incorporate environmental science, sustainability, and waste management. Additionally, partnerships with businesses and research institutions ensure that vocational training is aligned with the evolving needs of the green economy. One notable initiative is the establishment of Green Skills Competence Centers (GSCC), which serve as hubs for the promotion of best practices in sustainable vocational training. These centers, modeled on the "Centers of Vocational Excellence," aim to create a structured approach to integrating green skills into vocational education.

Austria is actively aligning its vocational education system with the objectives of the European Green Deal. By embedding green skills into vocational training, Austria aims to produce a workforce capable of driving the country’s transition to a sustainable, climate-neutral economy. This paper outlines the ongoing efforts and future steps required to refine vocational curricula and expand the implementation of green technologies, thereby enhancing the country’s capacity to meet its sustainability goals.

Keywords: Vocational Education, Green Transition, Curriculum Development, Green Skills Education.