An innovative scheme to ensure young people now in schools in Bristol and across the West of England consider working in the green jobs of the future is to be expanded.
A recent survey found more than half of young people wanted to have environmentally sustainable careers.
But for many, the range of jobs is daunting and there is a lack of understanding about how to acquire the right skills to get one.
While Bristol’s environmental sector is one of the largest in the UK and ranges from greentech businesses to sustainable housebuilders, a large number of its jobs are highly specialised and may not be on the radar of teachers and career advisors.
The West of England Green Futures programme, which has just secured £300,000 extra funding from the region’s combined authority (WECA), is designed to tackle this.
More than 3,000 youngsters from 10 schools took part in a successful trial programme last year to promote bespoke green careers programmes.
Secondary schools involved included Merchants’ Academy, Bedminster School and Oasis Academy John Williams in South Bristol. In sessions led by South Bristol Youth Group, pupils were advised how to build successful careers that help the planet.
Dozens more schools are now expected to benefit from the expanded programme.
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who leads WECA, announced the new funding at its annual careers conference this week, pictured. The event was attended by more than 100 headteachers and career professionals.
He said: “I know how passionate young people are about tackling the climate emergency. The good news is that there are lots of great green jobs that will be available when they enter the workplace.
“These are high-skilled, long-term green careers. But young people need to know how to access these jobs.”
He said if the region was going to meet its ambitious net zero targets, it was going to need electric car mechanics, sustainability engineers, carbon accountants and an army of retrofitters.
“I am determined that local young people find out about all the opportunities open to them and gain the skills they need to succeed,” he added.
