How people and places can thrive in a green economy

Green jobs are any jobs that have a direct, positive impact on nature recovery or tackling climate change and that will form part of the low carbon economy of the future.

Green jobs have the potential to provide long-term employment to thousands of people in the UK as well as to create healthier, happier, and greener communities for us all. Over the past 40 years, Groundwork has helped unemployed people of all ages to access green jobs and we’re ready to do even more in response to the climate and nature emergency.

Growing Green Careers sets out four priorities for green jobs policy:
– Making every job green
– Creating accessible pathways into entry-level green roles
– Increasing the diversity of people pursuing green careers
– Helping places to thrive in a green economy


Published April 2022; Author: Fay Holland, Policy & Research Executive

Case study: Westminster Wheels is helping young people into sustainable careers

Read the report

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Personal stories

Hamzah’s story

Hamzah joined Groundwork as a trainee Green Doctor through the UK Year of Service scheme and now aims to become a fully certified professional.

Britney’s story

Britney, a Blackpool university graduate, explains how Kickstart is providing the ideal experience to pursue her dream of a career in conservation.

Scott’s story

Scott recalls the two things that helped him to overcome a difficult start in life and ultimately thrive: his love of the outdoors and the support he received from Groundwork.


Blogs

BLOG: Looking for a green job during the pandemic

Kickstart trainee Radya Syed talks about how her role as Policy and Research Trainee at Groundwork UK helped her gain the skills, confidence and knowledge to take the next steps in her career.

BLOG: The power of climate education

Responding to the latest announcements on sustainability in schools, Isabelle Norman looks at just how vital climate education is for securing a green future and supporting a green economy.

BLOG: A new interest in the environment

Kickstart trainee Alex Bond reflects on their time as the Communications Trainee at Groundwork UK and how they were inspired to consider a career in the environmental sector.


Changing places and lives through green jobs

Two people installing a green roof

Natural Neighbourhoods

Providing training and jobs for young people while improving parks and green spaces in the most deprived areas of the East, Midlands, and North.

Young person installing insulation to improve energy efficiency

Low Carbon Careers

Supporting unemployed young people 18-25 into careers in the green economy, choosing from either; the natural environment, waste and recycling and an introduction to retrofitting.

A group of people gardening

Green Start – City & Guilds

Groundwork has partnered with the City & Guilds Foundation on an employability programme which helps people leaving the criminal justice system to thrive in a growing market for green skills.