According to the LinkedIn 2023 Global Green Skills Report, one-third of all jobs advertised in the UK required at least one ‘green skill’.
According to the LinkedIn 2023 Global Green Skills Report, one-third of all jobs advertised in the UK required at least one ‘green skill’. These skills are essential for developing and supporting a sustainable, resource-efficient society, including areas such as climate action planning, conservation, and sustainable design.
However, only one in eight British workers currently possess green skills, leaving the UK lagging behind other major economies, such as Germany and France. With the skills gap widening between employers’ requirements and available talent, recruitment software experts at Occupop explore how employers can tackle this issue and future-proof their businesses.
A Looming Crisis
The demand for professionals with green skills is reverberating across industries, from renewable energy to eco-friendly technologies. Unfortunately, the talent supply is currently insufficient to meet this demand. Alarmingly, the UK compares unfavorably to its European counterparts. For instance, in the wind energy sector, if Britain performed as well as Denmark, it could create an additional 98,000 jobs.
The Green Transformation Ahead
The UK’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy requires more than just policy statements—it demands tangible, on-the-ground changes:
- Infrastructure Overhaul: Thousands of miles of cables must be integrated into the national grid. Electric car battery factories need construction, heat pumps must be installed, and wind, solar, and other renewable energy farms require expansion.
- Certified Welders and Engineers: Experts warn of a “critical shortage” of certified welders and electrical engineers. These skilled workers are the backbone of our green future, yet their scarcity threatens progress.
- Net Zero Ambitions: The UK aims to achieve a net zero carbon footprint by 2050. This goal hinges on a workforce equipped with green expertise.
How Can Businesses Plug the Gaps?
While the scale of the task may seem daunting, smart green skills recruitment can bring significant economic opportunities for businesses.
David Banaghan, Interim CEO at Occupop, explains:
“The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) estimates that the transition to a green economy could generate as many as 1.6 million new jobs. This potential job boom is both an economic opportunity and a prerequisite for achieving net-zero targets. To thrive in a sustainable future, companies should invest in upskilling their workforce and nurturing talent with expertise in environmental practices. Additionally, they can leverage technology to level up their recruitment processes.”
Key Strategies for Closing the Green Skills Gap
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Training and Upskilling
Businesses must proactively invest in training programs that equip existing employees with green skills. Apprenticeships, vocational courses, and certifications can bridge the gap and empower workers to contribute effectively to sustainability initiatives.
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Collaborate with Educational Institutions
Partner with universities, colleges, and vocational schools to design curricula that align with industry needs. Encourage students to pursue green careers by highlighting the opportunities and impact of these roles.
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Embrace Technology
Leverage technology to tackle recruitment challenges head-on. AI-driven recruitment platforms, such as applicant tracking software (ATS), can help identify and attract candidates with the necessary green skills. These platforms offer efficient sourcing and screening, customized job postings, automated workflows, and effective collaboration among hiring teams—essential processes for filling green skills gaps.
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Promote Diversity and Inclusion
Address social class, background, and gender disparities. A diverse workforce brings fresh perspectives and can accelerate innovation. Create pathways for underrepresented groups to access green training and employment. Digitized recruitment software can assist in eliminating unconscious bias.
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Government Support and Policy Alignment
Advocate for policies that incentivize green skills development. Engage with policymakers to secure funding for vocational training and apprenticeships.
Conclusion
As the UK transitions towards net zero, green skills will remain one of the defining recruitment trends of the future. Businesses that invest in their workforce’s green capabilities today will reap the rewards of a sustainable tomorrow.