Demand for green jobs is increasing as industries prepare themselves for a greener future and net zero.
Here we look at what green jobs are and how people can get into them.
So, what is a green job?
Green jobs focus on restoring the natural environment – whether that be in companies that create green goods like electric vehicles or companies that work to reduce the use of natural resources and produce clean energy.
Whatever the offer or specialty, – green jobs are on the rise and play an essential part in growing the economy and boosting skills.
What kind of jobs are there in the green sector?
The types of jobs in the green sector vary and can include environmental technicians, agricultural specialists, wind turbine or solar panel technicians, green construction managers, nuclear engineers and many more.
How can I get into the green sector?
Apprenticeships are a great option for people of all ages to break into the green sector.
They offer the opportunity to earn while you learn with options to train right up to degree level.
There are a wide range of green apprenticeships available, from environmental consultancy and business sustainability to forestry and wind turbine technology.
Skills Bootcamps are another option. They are flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to gain sector-specific skills including electric vehicles, green heating technology, rail engineering, and smart meter installation and the offer of a job interview with an employer.
The courses have been developed in partnership with employers to help to plug skills gaps and vacancies, so learners can be confident that they will obtain the skills they need to progress.
Skills Bootcamps are available across the country. Courses available include electric vehicle charging point installation, green heating technology, rail engineering, and smart meter installation.
What else are you doing to support green jobs?
Our Free Courses for Jobs scheme offers adults aged 19 or over access to more than 400 qualifications free of charge. Green qualifications in wind turbine maintenance, conservation and environmental management, as well as sustainability and renewable energy, are available to help more people into better jobs and boost their earnings potential.
Courses are on offer to adults without a full qualification at Level 3 (equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma, or A levels) and those earning under the National Living Wage annually or unemployed.
What are the benefits of a green job?
There are lots of benefits to getting into the green industry. You can feel confident that your skills will be in high demand in this growing sector, while also knowing that you are helping to tackle climate change and boost our economic growth.
Sarah, age 48 from Nather Wallop, completed a Forest Operative apprenticeship with Forestry England after working in retail, office management and as a personal assistant for most of her career. She decided that she wanted a change, and to use the opportunity to retrain and to go into something that was going to help make a difference.
Sarah said:
One of the influences for me to go down the green apprenticeship route was that I had worked in offices most of my career and it was just getting to a point where I just wanted a change and to do something more beneficial and something I was really passionate about.
I would highly recommend doing an apprenticeship because the passion of the people around you rubs off. The impact you’re going to have even as an apprentice, you’re starting to make an impact on the future and it’s so rewarding.
Where can I get more advice on green jobs?
For more information about all the training offers available visit: Unlock a better way ahead - Skills for Life or for free, expert, impartial advice about careers options and learning opportunities that are right for you, you can chat to a qualified careers adviser online or by calling the National Careers Service helpline on 0800 100 900.https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/