The UK has legislated to reach net zero by 2050. What role does the future workforce think they will play in our green transition?
Driving Green Jobs and Skills for a Net Zero Future
Today’s students, trainees, apprentices and graduates are tomorrow’s workforce. They will lead the UK into its green future and be able to make the most of the opportunities it will provide.
Their views on their role in this future, and how the education path they are currently navigating fits into the UK’s green transition, is key to understanding what the workforce delivering net zero by 2050 will look like.
To better understand this, WSP, with input from partners, including EngineeringUK, surveyed nearly 4,000 16–23-year-olds in different stages of education to gauge their attitudes towards green jobs, skills and the future.
We asked questions which helped gain an understanding of their views on climate change, the school curriculum and careers provision, including STEM options, attractive work sectors, and their perception of green job opportunities regionally across the UK.
WSP and Savanta presented the initial findings from the research at an event hosted in the House of Commons in November 2022. A panel discussion followed, sponsored by Peter Aldous MP (Chair of the Further Education and Lifelong Learning All-Party Parliamentary Group), with stakeholders from WSP, EngineeringUK and RenewableUK.
Read about some of the trends identified in the research in our launch press release, and browse the thought leadership below which discusses the vital role provision for green skills and jobs will play in preparing for the UK’s green future.
