Green Skills - Facing The Future

As the country pushes on towards a greener economy and net zero carbon emissions targets there is a realisation that as a nation we are not equipped with enough relevant skills. It is expected that by 2030 as many as 24 million jobs worldwide could be created by the green economy. As a result, the education sector is responding by addressing skills shortages and helping develop the skills employers will need, as well as relevant apprenticeships, as we move forward to greater sustainability. This is no insignificant task but some good work has already begun.

What Are Green Skills?

These jobs will incorporate skills to reduce environmental impacts and support economic restructuring. Three industries in particular will require a newly trained workforce - domestic power efficiency, electric vehicles and clean power. Until recently, training has been mis-aligned to the needs of these key industries, so there is some significant focus now to deal with this skills gap. This is not just a governmental initiative. In reality, green jobs are appearing across a wide range of sectors as most industries are starting to push ambitious net zero goals for themselves. Some of the fastest growing positions relate to ecosystem management, sustainable procurement and environmental policy.

Green Solutions

This is a real hot topic and growth area, so as marketing for education experts we are keen to do our bit and understand the new pathways into the green employment sector. Also, it is clear that employment candidates with green skills can genuinely set themselves apart from the competition right now, so there is a big opportunity here for employers and employees alike. In a time of labour market uncertainty and genuine concern about the future of our planet, this green path perhaps represents a small positive solution for both. At present there is a huge task in terms of educating the public about the green path ahead. Retraining, connecting supply with demand and clear information provision will be a key part of this challenge. With this as their focus green skills training hubs are beginning to appear.

New Websites

Concept4 have recently developed two websites which aim to help with the push for green skills. These Green Skills Hubs are an emerging solution to the problem. The first was produced for West London College, aiming to inspire and help people find work in London’s growing green economy, focussing on roles in energy efficiency (retrofit, insulation, renewables), circular economy (waste and recycling), low carbon transport (electrical vehicles, charging stations) and green spaces. Take a look at their work at West London Green Skills Hub. 

Similarly, we produced the Local London Green Jobs and Skills Partnership website for London South East Colleges, who work across 11 further education providers and 9 London boroughs, ensuring that the Greater London Authority has a central delivery mechanism to help create an innovative skills plan and curriculum for Green and Digital skills, plus provide research to understand the developing Green and Digital sectors.

There is a clear governmental push here, with funding for these projects coming from Greater London Authority and the Department for Education. The Mayor's Skills Academies Programme has provided funding for Skills Academies Hubs which support Londoners into good work, not only in the green economy, but also creative industries, digital, health and hospitality sectors.

From July 2022 to June 2023, over 1,400 Londoners were supported into employment, apprenticeships or paid work placements by the Green Skills Hubs. This is fantastic news! We hope this leads the way for more Green Skills initiatives across the UK, as we face a greener future together.

If you want to create your own Green Skills website and marketing plan, contact us now on 01282 612222 and ask for Alex Buck.