Green Careers Week: 7 to 12 November 2022

Green Careers Week aims to promote any career that helps to protect and restore the planet.

Green Careers Week has been launched by National Careers Week, with  STEM Learning and the UK Space Agency to raise awareness of green careers in every industry.

Importance of green careers

The UK government aims to reach net zero in all sectors of the economy by 2050. Net zero means the amount of greenhouse gas we take out of the environment is the same as the amount we produce. You can read more about the Net Zero Strategy.

Many jobs can make a positive impact in different ways. Any career that helps the UK work towards net zero could be considered a green career. 

You can also learn new skills in different industries whilst helping to protect the future of the planet.

Environment, science and engineering green careers

You could work in an industry that directly tackles climate change such as environment, science and engineering. Here are some examples of green careers in these industries.

Countryside officer

Countryside officers give advice on how to manage, protect and improve the rural environment. You could conduct surveys, write reports and support local environmental events.

Corporate responsibility and sustainability practitioner

Corporate responsibility and sustainability practitioners make sure companies work in an ethical way. You could create a sustainability strategy and make sure companies do not cause harm to the environment.

Recycling engagement officer

Recycling engagement officers run local recycling and sustainability schemes. You could also promote recycling in the community and give advice on waste management.

Wind turbine technician

Wind turbine technicians maintain and repair wind farm turbines. You could work in rural areas or at sea to install, test and fix wind turbines.

Green careers in all industries

To make positive changes to become net zero, businesses need people to plan, carry out and maintain these changes. 

For example, in most industries you could be a:

• business analyst who looks into what a business does and gives advice on the best way to make improvements
  
• digital marketing executive who works with clients to create campaigns, promote messages and develop a brand that is sustainable
• product designer who creates new products and improves existing ones, including reducing the environmental impact of a product
• project manager who organises tasks, resources and people to complete a project on time

Future green careers

You might already be in a job that is becoming greener. This could give you the opportunity to identify and learn new skills. Here are some careers that are beginning to change.

Construction labourer

Construction labourers work on practical tasks on construction sites. You might need to learn retrofitting skills to make older buildings more energy efficient.

Health and safety adviser

Health and safety advisers work to reduce accidents, injury and health problems in the workplace. You might need to learn new green standards and processes for safety in the workplace. 

Motor mechanic

Motor mechanics repair and service cars and vans. You might need to work with high voltage batteries on hybrid or electric cars. 

Roofer

Roofers repair and tile roofs, fit skylight windows and fit roof insulation. You might need to learn to fit solar panels onto roofs. 

Skills and qualifications 

You'll need different skills and qualifications for any green career. 

You might already have transferable skills like communication or leadership. Or you might need specific technical skills and qualifications. You can explore careers to find information for a certain job.

You can also find a course to get a qualification. You might be able to get a free qualification if you're eligible. 

If you're an adult, you might also be able to do a free Skills Bootcamp in green skills. These include a range of courses such as domestic retrofitting installation and strategies for a sustainable and circular economy.

Get involved with Green Careers Week

If you're a teacher, you can download the green careers resource pack to get students thinking about green careers. 

You can also follow Green Careers Week on Twitter to find out more.

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

• 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
• 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.