The UK is facing a significant challenge as it seeks to transition to a greener economy. According to the LinkedIn 2023 Global Green Skills Report, one-third of all job advertisements in the UK now demand at least one ‘green skill’. Yet, despite the rising need, only one in eight British workers currently possesses these skills, placing the UK behind other major economies such as Germany and France.
Green skills encompass the expertise required to foster a sustainable and resource-efficient society. These include competencies in climate action planning, conservation, and sustainable design—areas crucial for the UK’s ambition to achieve a net zero carbon footprint by 2050.
However, the widening gap between the skills employers require and those available in the workforce is a growing concern. Occupop, a recruitment software firm, warns that this shortage could jeopardise the UK’s green ambitions. Their interim CEO, David Banaghan, highlights the urgency: “The transition to a green economy isn’t just a policy goal—it’s an economic opportunity. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) estimates that up to 1.6 million new jobs could be created, but only if we can equip our workforce with the necessary green skills.”
A Green Economy in Jeopardy?
The demand for professionals skilled in green technologies is booming across various industries, from renewable energy to sustainable construction. Yet, the current talent pool is insufficient to meet this demand. The UK’s lagging performance is particularly stark in the wind energy sector. If Britain matched Denmark’s efficiency in this area, it could generate an additional 98,000 jobs.
The UK’s commitment to achieving UK’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy will require extensive changes, from overhauling infrastructure to scaling up renewable energy projects. This transition demands skilled workers, particularly certified welders and engineers, whose current scarcity threatens to derail progress.
What Can Businesses Do?
Despite the daunting scale of the task, businesses have a crucial role in closing the green skills gap. Investing in recruitment and training is not only a means to future-proof companies but also an opportunity to contribute to the UK’s broader environmental goals.
David Banaghan suggests that businesses must take proactive steps to bridge the skills gap. “To thrive in a sustainable future, companies should invest in upskilling their workforce and nurturing talent with environmental expertise. Additionally, they can leverage technology to enhance their recruitment processes.”
Steps to Closing the Green Skills Gap
- Training and Upskilling: Businesses must prioritise training programmes that equip existing employees with green skills. Apprenticeships, vocational courses, and certifications are essential tools to empower workers and meet the demands of a sustainable economy.
- Collaboration with Educational Institutions: Partnering with universities, colleges, and vocational schools can help align curricula with industry needs, ensuring that students are prepared for green careers.
- Embracing Technology: AI-driven recruitment platforms, such as applicant tracking software (ATS), can help businesses identify and attract candidates with the necessary green skills. These tools streamline sourcing, screening, and collaboration, making it easier to fill skill gaps.
- Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Addressing disparities in social class, background, and gender can help create a more innovative and resilient workforce. By providing pathways for underrepresented groups to access green training and employment, businesses can enhance their talent pool.
- Government Support and Policy Alignment: Engaging with policymakers to advocate for green skills development and funding for vocational training can ensure that businesses have the support they need to succeed.
Conclusion
As the UK advances towards its net zero goals, the demand for green skills is set to become one of the defining recruitment trends of the future. Businesses that invest in developing their workforce’s green capabilities today will not only secure their own future but also contribute to a more sustainable economy for all.