The urgency of addressing climate change and transitioning to a sustainable economy has never been more critical. As the UK strives to meet its ambitious Net Zero by 2050 targets, the demand for a workforce equipped with green skills is rapidly increasing.

According to the LinkedIn 2023 Global Green Skills Report, one-third of all jobs advertised in the UK required at least one ‘green skill.’ These skills are crucial in supporting a sustainable, resource-efficient society and encompass areas such as climate action planning, conservation, and sustainable design.

Despite this rising demand, a significant gap remains: only one in eight British workers currently possess the necessary green skills, leaving the UK trailing behind other major economies, including Germany and France.

This widening skills gap poses a significant challenge to businesses and the broader economy, threatening the country’s ability to meet its environmental goals. To address this issue, I have outlined strategies that businesses can adopt to close this gap and future-proof their operations.

A Looming Crisis?

From renewable energy to eco-friendly technologies, the call for professionals with green skills reverberates across industries. However, the talent supply is currently insufficient to meet demand. Most alarmingly, this is how the UK compares to its European counterparts. In the wind energy sector, if Britain performed as well as Denmark, it could create an additional 98,000 jobs.

The Green Transformation Ahead

The UK’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy will be extended far beyond lofty policy statements and involve tangible, on-the-ground changes. Consider the following:

  • Infrastructure Overhaul: Thousands of miles of cables must be integrated into the national grid. Electric car battery factories need construction. Heat pumps must be installed. Wind, solar, and other renewable energy farms will need expansion.
  • Certified Welders and Engineers: Experts warn of a “critical shortage” of certified welders and electrical engineers. These skilled workers are the backbone of our green future, yet their scarcity threatens progress.
  • Net Zero Ambitions: The UK aims to create a net zero carbon footprint by 2050. Achieving this goal hinges on a workforce equipped with green expertise.

How Can Businesses Plug the Gaps?

While the scale of the task may appear daunting, savvy green skills recruitment will bring economic opportunities for businesses.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) estimates that the transition to a green economy could generate as many as 1.6 million new jobs. This potential job boom is both an economic opportunity and a prerequisite for achieving net-zero targets.

To thrive in a sustainable future, companies should invest in upskilling their workforce and nurturing talent with expertise in environmental practices. Additionally, they can leverage technology to level up their recruitment processes.

Here are some things to consider:

  • Training and Upskilling: Companies must proactively invest in training programmes that equip existing employees with green skills. Apprenticeships, vocational courses, and certifications can bridge the gap and empower workers to contribute effectively to sustainability initiatives. Additionally, prioritising employee wellbeing during these training processes can enhance learning outcomes and job satisfaction. A workforce that feels supported and valued is more likely to engage positively with upskilling efforts and remain committed to the company’s long-term sustainability goals.
  • Collaborate with Educational Institutions: Partner with universities, colleges, and vocational schools to design a curriculum that aligns with industry needs. Encourage students to pursue green careers by highlighting their opportunities and impact.
  • Embrace Technology: Harness the power of technology to meet your recruitment challenges head-on. AI-driven recruitment platforms such as applicant tracking software (ATS) can help identify and attract candidates with the necessary green skills for your business. ATS can provide efficient sourcing and screening, customised job postings, automated workflows, and effective collaboration among hiring teams – all essential processes in plugging green skills gaps.
  • Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Address social class, background, and gender disparities. A diverse workforce brings fresh perspectives and can accelerate innovation. Create pathways for underrepresented groups to access green training and employment. Digitised recruitment software can help you do this, eliminating any unconscious bias.
  • Government Support and Policy Alignment: Advocate for policies that incentivise green skills development. Engage with policymakers, if possible, to ensure funding for vocational training and apprenticeships.

Conclusion

As the UK advances towards its Net Zero by 2050 targets, green skills are set to become one of the most critical factors shaping the future of employment. The transition to a green economy presents both challenges and opportunities, and businesses that proactively invest in upskilling their workforce will be better positioned to navigate these changes.

By embracing innovative recruitment strategies, fostering partnerships with educational institutions, and advocating for supportive government policies, companies can not only close the green skills gap but also drive sustainable growth. The investments made today in building a skilled, green workforce will be instrumental in securing a prosperous and environmentally sustainable future for the UK.

Sources

David Banaghan
David Banaghan
Interim CEO at Occupop | Website | + posts

Occupop is a refreshingly simple recruitment software that helps SMB employers engage, manage and hire top talent. No manuals, no code—just recruitment made easy. Trusted by SMBs across the UK, Ireland and USA, Occupop puts everything you need to successfully recruit, in one place. It's the calm, organised way to advertise jobs, manage hiring projects, collaborate with your hiring team, and the one central point of truth for all your recruitment activity.