The future is bright now as thousands more are working for the planet

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GROW a brighter future with a green career.

The Government last year pledged to create 90,000 “eco” jobs by 2024 and research reveals the change is already happening.

The Government pledged to create 90,000 ‘eco’ jobs by 2024 and research reveals the change is already happening

Rosie King studied chemical engineering at Newcastle University before opting for an eco role as a graduate Renewables Engineer for power giant EDF

The numbers for those working in sustainable roles have risen 12 per cent in 12 months in Britain, almost double the global average.

Monday will see the start of the first Green Skills Week, which aims to support youngsters into sustainable careers.

Organised by educational charity Speakers for Schools, the event offers students aged 11 upwards access to 5,000 work experience placements from environmentally focused employers.

Jason Elsom, head of the charity, said: “This is a great opportunity to help young people imagine an ­exciting future.”

One of those young people helping to change the world through sustainable work is Rosie King, a graduate Renewables Engineer for power giant EDF.

The 23-year-old from Stockport studied chemical engineering at Newcastle University before opting for an eco role.

She said: “I didn’t want to go down some of the more traditional routes associated with chemical engineering, such as oil and gas.

“Climate change is the biggest challenge facing our planet so renewable energy is something I wanted to not only be involved in, but lead in.

“I am really proud to be working in this sector, because I feel like I’m helping to provide a solution that isn’t at the expense of the planet.

“I look forward to seeing the technological developments that are coming to allow us to decarbonise our lives even further. It’s ambitious but we like a challenge in renewables.”

Employment Minister Mims Davies confirmed the Government’s determination to go green, saying: “Last year, the Prime Minister outlined a national path towards a greener future — a green industrial revolution that will boost jobs, with up to two million good-quality green jobs by 2030.

“At the heart of this is upskilling the British people with what’s needed to drive a green recovery.

“Together, we are building back better across the country, propelling forward the long-term job prospects for people of all ages, and powering our progress towards a cleaner, greener Britain.”

  • To find more information visit greenskillsweek.org and you can look for work at greenjobs.co.uk, edfenergy.com/earlycareers, greenjobsonline.co.uk and environmentjob.co.uk/jobs.

Backing positive change

MITIE is a facilities management firm employing 80,000 people and has pledged to have zero net carbon emissions by 2025.

Boss Phil Bentley says “green-collar jobs” are the future.

Phil Bentley says ‘green-collar jobs’ are the future

Here’s why:

  • Employees want to go green. Studies suggest 88 per cent of employees think a job is more fulfilling if they make a positive impact on the environment.
  •  It’s a massive career opportunity. The Government has put sustainability at the heart of recovery and millions of green jobs will be created in the coming decade.
  • We must prioritise the planet. All of us – governments, businesses and individuals – must take responsibility and ensure we have the right skills to make net zero happen.
  • It makes financial sense. Sustainability is not a choice between the cheap option and the pricier green alternative – it can be more cost effective. For example, Mitie has saved millions of pounds by switching nearly 1,000 vehicles to electric and by helping its clients reduce their energy bills.
  • A greener business is a better business. It is better for colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. The future of the planet rests in our hands, and greener businesses are the solution.

A meaty salary

WORKING for an eco firm doesn’t mean you have to be economical with your salary.

Plant-based meat alternative start-up This has set a minimum wage of £35,000 a year to treat employees fairly – around £6,000 more than the UK national average.

Plant-based meat alternative start-up This has set a minimum wage of £35,000 a year to treat employees fairly – around £6,000 more than the UK national average

This co-founder Andy Shovel says: “We’re a start-up with high costs.

“But I resolved that we must blaze a trail for other businesses to help keep the job market fair and make sure our entry-level members are properly appreciated for the hard work they put into fast-moving companies.”

Apply at this.co/jobs.