Reskilling the workforce: Preparing manufacturing employees for a green future

Joseph Nwabueze Amaefule; Francis Irey Osuji; Olatunbosun lsrael Olayinka; Akeem Olalekan Shonubi

Joseph Nwabueze Amaefule Department of Economics, McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Abeokuta, Nigeria
Francis Irey Osuji Department of Economics, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria
Olatunbosun lsrael Olayinka Department of Business Administration, McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Abeokuta, Nigeria
Akeem Olalekan Shonubi Department of Business Administration, McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Keywords: Reskilling, workforce, productivity, green technologies, manufacturing sector

Abstract

This study investigated the process of reskilling the manufacturing workforce in preparation for a sustainable future using a descriptive survey research design incorporating quantitative data analysis. The sample consisted of 360 employees from manufacturing firms in Lagos, Nigeria, selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was done with the Demographic Data Inventory (DDI) and the Reskilling the Workforce for Green Future Questionnaire (RWGFQ). Three hypotheses were formulated and tested using simple linear regression analysis at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings indicated that reskilling initiatives within the manufacturing workforce has a significant impact on the improvements in green future sustainability, enhance competency in green technologies among employees, and increase productivity. Hence it was concluded that the manufacturing firms within Lagos state, Nigeria, have initiatives in place for employee reskilling, green future sustainability, and competency in green technologies. However, there are areas for improvement, which include, increased effectiveness of reskilling programmes, improved communication regarding the importance of reskilling for a sustainable future, and enhanced training and resource allocation for developing employee competency in green technologies. This will enhance the sustainable future green manufacturing sector productivity.