The growing demand for green talent

Globally, demand for “green talent” has surged, with a 5.9% average annual increase in relevant job posts between 2021 and 2024. The UK experienced a 13% rise during this period - one of the biggest increases globally - driven by our commitment to achieving net zero by 2050. In that period, demand for green talent in the UK grew by an average of 20% per year, with a 46% rise in 2023. 

But supply of talent hasn’t matched the increasing demand. In the UK, only 12.5% of workers possess the green skills needed to ensure we meet sustainability goals and remain competitive on the global stage. And according to LinkedIn’s Green Skills Report the disparity between green talent supply and demand is widening: by 2030, the global talent gap is expected to reach 18.7% and by 2050, the gap could exceed 100% if current trends continue.

The demand for green skills isn’t limited to a single sector: gaps exist in areas as diversely “green” as forestry, ecology, sustainability management and electrification.

Bridging this gap will require significant investment in education, training, and upskilling, more collaborations between government and the private sector, and widespread promotion of entry routes into green careers, such as apprenticeships and the variety of STEM degrees that can lead to environmental and clean energy roles.

Green careers: a solid choice

Green careers focus on protecting or restoring the environment and addressing climate change. As industries work to adapt their products and processes—such as using renewable energy or improving energy efficiency—new opportunities are emerging.

These jobs are in high demand and provide the chance to contribute to the fight against climate change while helping to drive economic growth. They offer long-term career opportunities in a rapidly expanding sector.

Job seekers with green skills or job titles enjoy a 54.6% higher hiring rate compared to the general workforce, whilst relevant skills on the rise in the UK including building performance, decarbonisation and low-carbon technologies, responsible sourcing and environmental studies.

A Hays study has found that 50% of UK professionals are open to pursuing careers in sustainability, with 25% actively seeking roles in this sector. But despite growing interest in sustainability-related roles across a variety of industries, challenges include a lack of clear career pathways and limited access to relevant training.

Regardless of the source, all industry and government reports highlight the same critical need: focused training and development to bridge the green skills gap and build a sustainable workforce for the future, with clearer (and more) pathways into green careers.

Opportunities and challenges

Green careers are at the heart of the UK’s transition to a sustainable future. Industries such as renewable energy, sustainable construction, and environmental management are expanding rapidly, contributing significantly to employment, wealth creation and economic resilience. The UK is a global leader in offshore wind, with thousands of jobs created to design, build, and maintain wind farms, while green technologies like EVs are driving growth in manufacturing and engineering, as the automotive industry pivots to meet the government’s 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars.

The Future of Green Careers in the UK

As the UK works towards its net-zero target, the demand for green jobs will only increase. From environmental scientists and renewable energy engineers to sustainability consultants and EV technicians, the opportunities are vast and varied. Green hold the key to economic growth, environmental preservation, and social progress. By embracing these opportunities and investing in the workforce of tomorrow, the UK can lead the way in building a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

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What caught our attention this month

A study of more than 7,000 electric cars by P3 has revealed that EV batteries last longer than expected, with many maintaining over 90% capacity after 100,00 km.

Rivian and Volkswagen have sealed a $5.8 billion partnership to create next-generation EV software and electrical architecture. This joint venture aims to cut costs, enhance scalability, and power the launch of new models for both brands by 2027. 

The UK Government has announced a £500m fund to support nearly 5,000 science students at 45 universities, in a bid to boost high-demand skills for the UK.