Schools need support to enable net zero skills

According to new research, young people in schools and colleges are not being adequately equipped with the skills or knowledge needed to thrive in the green economy, prompting calls to support schools in delivering the net zero skills agenda.

The research by recycling and waste management firm SUEZ reveals a “fundamental misunderstanding” among 16 to 18-year-olds about the skills required to support the UK’s net zero transition, and warns that this gap could undermine national climate goals and future career opportunities for the next generation.

Polling commissioned by SUEZ highlights a significant disparity between young people and older generations when it comes to understanding net zero. Fewer than half (44%) of young people aged 16 to 18 said they felt confident they understood why the UK government is aiming for net zero emissions. This contrasts sharply with 69% of 25 to 34-year-olds and 87% of business leaders.

The research also found that many young people are unclear about what careers will drive the UK’s green transformation. Only 17% of 16 to 18-year-olds recognised artificial intelligence (AI) and technology as key to achieving net zero, compared to more than half of business leaders. Just over one in five (21%) identified engineering as a green skill, despite its central role in developing renewable energy systems, electric transport and sustainable infrastructure.

When considering their future careers, 72% of young people said salary was their top priority. Just 18% said they prioritised roles that benefit the environment. Yet, when asked to look ahead, 83% predicted that green skills would be as important, if not more important, within the next three years. Despite this, only a third of young respondents felt their education had prepared them for work in a sustainable sector.

In response to these findings, SUEZ has written to Education Secretary Bridget Philipson and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, urging immediate action. The company described the results as a "wake-up call" and is calling on the Government to lead a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of green career pathways and ensure schools are equipped to support the net zero skills agenda.

Among its recommendations, SUEZ is calling for reforms to the Growth and Skills Levy, the creation of updated curricula that reflect green sector needs, and the publication of reports from the former Green Jobs Delivery Group, which have been delayed since before the general election. The letter also calls for a dedicated qualification in waste and recycling, to help attract new talent into one of the UK's essential green industries.

Dr Adam Read MBE, Chief Sustainability & External Affairs Officer at SUEZ said: “We risk facing a green skills crisis in the UK. Businesses of all sizes need to hire for green roles. But we are not providing students with the training they need for these roles, and there are still stark gaps in green career opportunities between regions of the UK.