Mobilising Education to Drive Forward Net Zero

As the UK ramps up efforts to hit net zero emissions by 2050, adapting our education system is going to be crucial to our success. More than just imparting knowledge, school should be a place where we can lay the foundations that drive massive societal change, shape our values and norms, and prepare upcoming generations to tackle climate issues head-on.

We know that in regions across the North of England particularly, where economic renewal is crucial for both local communities and national goals, education has the potential to unlock innovative, climate-positive solutions while empowering people to be part of the change, which will in turn stop the rise in far right fascism we’re seeing sweep across the world right now.

Addressing the Green Skills Gap in the UK

A major hurdle in achieving net zero is the green skills gap—the shortage of workers with the skills needed to support a sustainable economy. From renewable energy to eco-friendly construction and sustainable agriculture, demand for green skills is outpacing supply, with thousands of roles going unfilled each year.

To bridge this gap, we need to rethink how we train and educate our workforce. That means not only updating curriculums across schools and universities but also offering robust training programs and apprenticeships tailored to emerging green sectors for those joining the workforce and those already in it. Developing these skills early and providing pathways for workers to re-skill or up-skill, will ensure the UK has a workforce ready to take on the opportunities and challenges of a net-zero economy.

Tackling the Green Skills Gap Head-On

To address the green skills gap, the UK needs an all-inclusive approach that cuts across multiple sectors and age groups. Currently, an estimated 80% of the workforce needed by 2030 to support green industry does not yet exist in the UK, according to the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). Research shows that building up this talent pool starts with enhancing STEM education in schools and expanding programs that introduce sustainability and climate science early on. By building a foundation of environmental literacy and technical skills, students will be better prepared for hands on careers in green sectors.

Beyond schools, apprenticeships and training programs need to be more accessible and aligned with the specific demands of green industries. For example, targeted apprenticeships in renewable energy, energy-efficient construction, and sustainable manufacturing can provide hands-on experience for young people eager to enter these fields. Organizations like the Northern Powerhouse are already collaborating with educational institutions to develop such pathways, but scaling these programs nationally is essential for meaningful impact.

Building Partnerships Across Sectors

Collaboration between education providers, industry leaders, and local govt and central govt policymakers is critical to close the skills gap at speed. Research from the Green Jobs Taskforce highlights that the UK will need an additional 1.7 million workers with green skills by 2030 to achieve net zero. Universities and technical colleges have the opportunity to play a key role here by partnering with green industries to co-design curriculums that reflect real-world needs. Companies growing their footprint in wind energy, electric vehicles, and waste management should be offering internships and mentorship programs, helping those who want to up-skill or re-skill to expand their experience.

Meanwhile, we need to see local and central government incentives for companies investing in green skills training to encourage more businesses to take an active role in workforce development. By strengthening these partnerships, we can ensure that our workforce not only has the right skills but also the practical experience to support the UK’s net-zero goals.

Join Us at Green Skills UK – 13th February 2025, Leeds

We’re excited to host the inaugural Green Skills UK Conference, a one-day event dedicated to exploring the future of green skills in the workforce. This event will bring together business leaders, education experts, and policymakers to discuss training pathways and solutions to prepare the workforce for the green transition, just like we’ve discussed above.

Expect insights on the latest innovations in the green economy, where the biggest skills gaps lie, and how we can work together to drive forward the green skills agenda. It’s a unique opportunity to be part of the conversation that will shape the workforce of tomorrow.