Green skills for young people
What can you do while you finish your studies or enter the world of work to enhance your green-career credentials?
Green jobs contribute towards fighting climate change, embrace sustainability and help the environment - whether directly or indirectly. As the world strives for a more sustainable future, there is a growing need for individuals to contribute to the development of innovative solutions and technologies. This has led to a rise in green careers, with many new job opportunities emerging in fields that did not previously exist.
You could concentrate on building your skills in one of these areas or more!
- STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths)
- People Skills (communication, problem-solving and decision-making)
- Systemic Change Skills (political agency, organising collective action and disruptive thinking)
There’s a misconception that green jobs are all about STEM, wind turbines and solar panels, but jobs in these areas are only a piece of the net zero puzzle! Almost every job has the potential to become ‘green’ (or greener) and everyone can play a part in bringing green-change to their role!
Routes to Green Careers
Apprenticeships
England boasts more than 200 green apprenticeship schemes already with hundreds more set to soon incorporate green elements. Examples include Level 3 Forest Craftsperson, Level 4 Countryside Ranger and Level 6 Environmental Practitioner.
Green apprenticeships focus on job roles that actively contribute towards helping the UK meet its Net Zero Carbon emissions target by 2050.
Consider apprenticeships related to:
- Low Carbon Heating – Working on heat pumps and other green heating systems in people's homes
- Sustainable Business Practices – Working with companies to shape the policies and practices towards net zero compliance and sustainability
- Civil Engineering – Supporting civil engineering projects through design and construction, guided by your green skillset and knowledge
Further Education
College/Sixth Form
Many colleges are working to embed sustainability and green skills into their courses. You can find green jobs in lots of different industries including construction, engineering, science, agriculture, logistics, fashion, hospitality, and tourism.
Higher Education
University
Higher Education is an important path to senior roles in decarbonising sectors. There will be a high demand for sustainability professionals to provide business advice.
Degrees in environmental health, engineering, and science support green jobs in the public or private sectors.
Job roles with a green future
These are examples of some green-focused careers. Remember that all jobs will likely require some green element in the future - so enhance your green skills!
Environmental Conservation Officer
You could be analysing data on wildlife habitats and landscape features to understand how climate change is having an effect. This can help us gain a better understanding of our wildlife and identify species that require protection.
Carbon Accountant
You could be helping businesses to become more sustainable by measuring and quantifying their carbon footprint and suggesting carbon-reducing measures that can help them align with the government net zero target of 2050
Environmental Impact Assessor
You could be responsible for evaluating the potential effects of large-scale developments on the environment and working in teams to suggest mitigation measures that can be implemented through adjustments to the project's design or planning conditions.
Forester
You could be responsible for practicing sustainable forestry which means providing the best balance for people, wildlife, and timber. Foresters will consider future climate and will choose species suited to these changing conditions to give trees the best chance of survival.
What can I do now?
Wherever you are on your learning and career pathway, you don’t have to wait to improve your general skills and understanding of green issues.
Why not….
- Find out what your school or college is doing to minimise its carbon footprint and promote internal sustainable practices. You could lobby your teachers or management team if you think more could be done, start a sustainability club, recycling programme or organise a green newsletter or blog
- Undertake some conservation volunteering. There are lots of local groups involved in activities like clearing and tending to common land and conservation areas, making our local spaces better for us, animal life and the environment. Planting trees and encouraging managed plant growth in appropriate areas helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
- Be social, go out and practice your people skills. ‘Hard’ technical skills you can learn through courses, but abilities like being able to strike up a conversation, cooperating with different people, negotiating and compromising will be vital to achieving the huge green change that the world needs to see. These ‘soft’ skills you can improve every day and have little requirement for classrooms and equipment!
- Read widely and outside of social media about green issues. Being informed is key to making the right environmental decisions, career decisions and convincing others to get onboard. Think critically and check that your information sources are supported by facts, avoid obvious bias. Your knowledge will shine in an interview.
