Our new report, The Journey to Green Jobs: Taking the Pulse on the Transition to Green Skills and Jobs, sheds light on a pressing issue:
While the UK is making strides towards its Net Zero goals, a significant skills gap threatens to slow progress. Published in partnership with The 5% Club, the report explores the challenges and opportunities posed by the growing demand for green jobs and underscores the importance of preparing the UK workforce for the green transition.
Green jobs encompass roles that directly contribute to environmental sustainability, including meeting Net Zero goals. Despite the vast potential for job creation, the UK is struggling to keep pace with the market demand for a green-skilled workforce. This discrepancy raises concerns about the country's ability to meet its 2050 climate targets
Key Findings
Job Creation Potential: The UK could see between 135,000 and 725,000 new green jobs by 2030, with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) estimating that the low-carbon economy could add between £37 billion and £57 billion annually to GDP.
Green Skills Shortage: LinkedIn data indicates that only one in eight workers currently possesses green skills. Sectors such as energy and construction face potential shortfalls of 200,000 and 230,000 workers, respectively, by 2030.
Education Mismatch: The UK’s education system has not evolved quickly enough to prepare students for these green careers. Most critically, we need to develop and expand vocational training for jobs in these sectors and others like transport and agriculture. We also must generate greater awareness of these good quality, stable jobs among younger generations
Policy and Industry Alignment: While initiatives like Skills England and the Apprenticeship Levy reforms are steps in the right direction, they need to be closely aligned with industry needs to ensure the workforce is gearing up for Net Zero.
Industry Insights
The report features case studies from experienced business leaders and experts in the skills system that combine to provide a practical guide to help employers develop their own green skills roadmap and emphasises that this challenge calls for greater collaboration.
Matt Robinson, CEO of GetZero, stressed the importance of investing in green skills: "The transition to a green economy is not just a challenge but an opportunity. By investing in green skills, we can not only meet our climate goals but also secure long-term economic growth. This report highlights the clear need for businesses, educators, and policymakers to work together to close the skills gap and ensure a sustainable future for the UK."
Mark Cameron, CEO of The 5% Club, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the role of employers in driving the transition: "Our members are at the forefront of this shift. By prioritising green skills training and fostering collaborations with educational institutions, we can equip our workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in a green economy."
A Collective Effort for a Green Future
As the UK continues its journey towards a greener future, this report serves as a practical guide for businesses, policymakers, and educators. By working together, they can ensure the UK workforce is ready to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the green economy
The Journey to Green Jobs: Taking the Pulse on the Transition to Green Skills and Jobs is available to download
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