Be a Force of Nature
Green jobs have a positive impact on both individuals and the wider planet – and at Groundwork, we want to encourage and inspire more young people to reap the benefits of kick-starting a green career.
From roles in the great outdoors working in parks, rivers and beaches, to jobs for those who prefer to make a difference while sitting at a desk, the environmental sector can offer a whole range of new, exciting opportunities.
Our New to Nature programme has supported 98 young people in work placements at environmental and nature-based organisations, with a particular focus on encouraging those from diverse backgrounds to apply, to ensure that those who may of first thought that a green career wasn’t for them, saw that green jobs are for everyone.
Groundwork strives to continue this legacy and guide other young people from similar underrepresented backgrounds to work in the green sector and be a #ForceOfNature.
How to be a Force of Nature
Find out more about how you can start your green career:
Don’t just take our word for it!
Why your next career move should be a step in the green direction
The New to Nature peer group are new diverse talent, undertaking traineeships in environmental organisations across the UK, with each member going on their own unique, personal journey. Read some of these stories below:
Engaging the environmental sector
In November 2023, Groundwork launched the first phase of the Force of Nature campaign ask environmental organisations to pledge to work towards a more inclusive environmental sector by:
- Committing to an action plan designed to make our organisation more inclusive and diverse
- Adopting recruitment practices that proactively seek to address a lack of diversity in the environmental sector
- Opening up pathways for diverse talent by creating entry-level positions with prospects for career progression
About New to Nature
New to Nature offers new, full-time, temporary work placements in nature and landscape organisations across the UK, aiming to increase diversity and enrich the environmental sector.
Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the King’s Coronation, the programme will run until September 2024 and will provide paid work placements for at least 95 people, targeting young people from diverse backgrounds to undertake a range of environmental roles.
New to Nature is delivered through a partnership of Groundwork, The Prince’s Trust, Disability Rights UK, and Mission Diverse. We are working closely with the Youth Environmental Service to ensure the programme acts as a stepping stone for a longer-term journey of change in the sector.
