What Are Green Careers And What Skills Do I Need?

Ever heard of ‘green jobs’? Let’s take a look at what they are, what skills you might need, and how to find them…

What are green jobs and careers?

Green careers are jobs that contribute towards fighting climate change, sustainability, and improving the environment.

As we work towards a ‘greener’ future for the world, lots of people are needed to help come up with new solutions and technologies. This is why green careers are growing, with lots of new roles being created that didn’t exist before.

What kind of jobs are there?

You can find green jobs in lots of different industries including construction, science, engineering, farming, transport and even law.

From engineers who install solar panels or design more sustainable cars that rely on less fossil fuels, to people who practice environmental law and scientists who develop new products, there are so many careers to explore.

Key industries to explore are:

  • Construction
  • Energy, Water & Sustainability
  • Engineering
  • Environment, land and animals
  • Health & Science
  • Law
  • STEM
  • and transport and logistics…

Click on the button below to explore the range of careers. You’ll find individual jobs, salary information, and ways to get into the industry through whatever path is best for you e.g. university, apprenticeships, training on the job etc

Explore Careers

What are ‘green skills’ and do I need them?

With the emergence of more green jobs, there is also a need for green skills. But what are they?

Green skills refers to the key transferable and technical skills needed to work in green jobs.

Technical skills refer to the expert skills and knowledge you need to do specific jobs, just like how a doctor needs to be qualified to work in healthcare. You can get these in lots of different ways such as university, apprenticeships and training, and by exploring the careers that interest you, you’ll find what specific things you need to know.

However, you can start building your transferable skills (aka soft skills) right now! Communication, teamwork, problem solving, self-management (being able to organise yourself) and self-belief are essential!

With FREE Young Professional training, you can learn how to build the key skills you’ll need for work, and discover how to explore which career and route into the industry is best for you and your needs. All you have to do is sign up, and you can work through the modules at your own pace.

Where can I find green jobs?

These Youth Friendly Employer have green careers! Click on each one to explore their vacancies and apply for ones that interest you!

  • Careers in Racing – Interested in equine careers? This is a great place to start! But it’s not just about who rides the horse and serves racecourse customers. The world of British racing has careers that match YOUR skills and interests.
  • Environment Agency – their work helps protect the environment to make the world a better place for people and wildlife. There’s apprenticeship, graduate and volunteering roles to discover!
  • Historic England – whatever your interests are, there’s a career in heritage for you! Explore how you can contribute by playing to your skills and strengths.
  • Surrey County Council – yes, councils across the country have green careers too! If you live in or near Surrey, why not explore the interesting range of green careers in Surrey County Council.

Discover Youth Friendly Employers

Email us at info@youthemployment.org.uk or call 01536 513388.

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