A recent poll of 500 decision makers found that 57% of them believe specialised green skills are important to their business, but many are struggling to find skilled staff in areas such as sustainable engineering and finance. To address this, 27% of decision makers are actively identifying opportunities and anticipating future business needs, while 26% are investing in professional training to upskill their existing workforce. Another 23% are offering more on-the-job training and apprenticeships.
Meanwhile, a separate poll of 2,000 employed adults found that 27% are considering a green job as their next career move, but many are uncertain if they possess the necessary skills. Nearly half of those considering a green job (47%) are interested in work in the renewable energy sector, while others see sustainable investment and construction as viable options.
To ensure that the UK is successful in its green transition efforts, it’s important for policy makers, businesses, and educational organisations to collaborate and invest in properly preparing the workforce, according to Joanna Bonnett, Head of Sustainability at PageGroup. Doing so will create a pipeline of talent that is ready for the jobs of the future and tackle the green skills shortage, which could drastically slow down net zero efforts if not addressed.
More than half (55%) of the decision makers polled say it’s important that new staff demonstrate their awareness of climate change, and 31% claim that investing in staff to prepare them for the green future is a priority.
Additionally, 43% of businesses remain committed to working toward their sustainability goals despite the rising costs of living. These businesses have committed to reaching an average of five targets, with 40% citing long-term cost savings benefits as the driving force behind implementing these goals. A third (33%) see it as an opportunity to future-proof their business.
The poll of workers, conducted by OnePoll.com, showed that 34% of workers claim witnessing the negative impacts to the environment as their primary reason for considering green work. One in three (33%) had been motivated after watching documentaries about climate change, and 32% were aware that the job market is changing and want to adapt to the times. Nearly three-quarters (73%) started exploring these green opportunities in just the last two years.
Bonnett from PageGroup added that with one in five companies currently recruiting for green positions, it’s clear they recognise the significance of the green transition and the benefits it brings to their business and workforce.
