Build your career & a better world with an environmentally-friendly job
BUILD your career – and a better world – by doing an environmentally-friendly job.
Tomorrow is World Environment Day, with the focus on restoring ecosystems and making our planet a healthier place.
Last year the Government pledged to create two million “green collar” jobs by 2030.
As well as developing jobs in newer sectors such as offshore wind farms, the Green Jobs Taskforce delivering the new roles is helping firms in the motor, oil and gas sectors to switch to low-carbon alternatives.
Some of the best new green roles are with traditional firms such as energy and building giants.
Figures show there are more than 200,000 low-carbon and renewable energy roles in the UK, with thousands more being created each year.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “New jobs in green industries can help us recover from the pandemic, and it will mean clean air, food security and the restoration of Britain’s forests and wildlife.”
BP is leading the charge to electric vehicles with dozens of roles for EV technicians. Akira Kirton, CEO of BP Pulse UK, says: “You might be surprised to hear BP is at the forefront of Britain’s electric vehicle revolution but as the market continues to grow, we’ll be going from installing hundreds of charging points every week to installing thousands.
“Our green jobs include assembly technicians and hardware engineers. There will be demand for people with skills in electrical engineering and installation. We’ll also need to grow our teams in production, digital, sales, customer care, finance, IT, HR, marketing and beyond.”
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Feel the power
DAVE OLIVE is an Electrical Compliance & Quality Manager at BP Pulse.
Dave, 37, from Herefordshire, below, said: “I started as an electrician 21 years ago. I installed an EV charge point for the first time in early 2012 for the London Olympics, was promoted to installation supervisor in 2016 and took up my current role in 2019.
“Working in an ever-evolving market with new technology and cutting-edge products is exciting.”
Buildings are responsible for 40 per cent of all UK carbon emissions, making them a key battleground in the net-zero mission.
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) says fighting climate change is the number one motive for graduate joiners.
Eleanor Turner, 22, from Lancaster, is on a graduate placement with BRE’s energy and climate change team.
She said: “I wanted to use my physics degree to work on the issue that mattered to me most – sustainability.”
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Green and keen
MORE than half of UK workers want a green job and see it as a key factor in choosing a firm to work for, a new report reveals.
However, 40 per cent of jobseekers believe sustainability still isn’t a priority for employers, with a third claiming “sustainability is just a tick-box exercise for my firm”.
The report from eco-consultancy Anthesis also found that sustainable credentials ranked highest for young Brits aged under 25, with two thirds seeking green work.
Anthesis UK’s managing director Brad Blundell said: “With the likes of Greta Thunberg leading the youth movement, this trend is expected to escalate into future generations, positively pressurising organisations to commit to a more sustainable future.”
Flower hours
LOOKING for the pick of the green jobs? Then join cordial maker Belvoir Farm on its annual six-week elderflower harvest.
The Leicestershire drinks business is recruiting harvesters to pick the fragrant flowers from hedgerows on its organic farm.
Pev Manners, who is managing director at Belvoir Farm, said: “Now we are all able to meet outside in groups of six, this is a great way to still lend a hand with a local harvest and have some fun with family and friends.”
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How to be eco warrior
HALF of all the plastic we produce is designed to be used once then thrown away – making it a major pollution source. Campaigner Sian Sutherland, co-founder of , reveals how to find an eco-friendly role to help our environment.
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- Find an area you are passionate about: There are so many environmental career options out there tackling myriad issues. Find one that you feel compelled to make a difference in.
- Assess your skills: Consider what knowledge and skills you already have and focus on where you can make a difference.
- Find others working in the area: Use LinkedIn and search online for people and businesses active in the space and don’t be afraid to reach out. You’ll be surprised how many people are willing to help by giving you knowledge, resources to get you up to speed and connecting you with their network. It could land you a job, so put yourself out there!
- Be prepared for setbacks: Sometimes the environmental crisis can seem insurmountable, and you’ll be hyper-aware of the issues at hand. Don’t let this drain you, let the challenges you face fuel your motivation.
- Remember why you’re choosing this path: Having a green job is not just about shaping a fulfilling career, you’ll be making a difference for future generations. It is a career to be proud of.