Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 02:49 am
A poll of 500 decision-makers found that 57% consider specialized green skills to be important for their business, particularly in areas of sustainable engineering and finance. However, many are struggling to find skilled staff. To address this, over one in four (27%) are actively identifying opportunities and anticipating future business needs, 26% are investing in professional training to upskill their existing workforce, and another 23% are offering more on-the-job training and apprenticeships.
A separate poll of 2,000 employed adults found that a quarter (27%) are considering a green job as their next career move, but many are unsure 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 their skills are compatible with future green jobs, 28% of workers plan to undergo training related to their current specialization, and 26% are exploring online courses to achieve the necessary qualifications. Joanna Bonnett, Head of Sustainability at PageGroup, said it’s crucial for policymakers, businesses, and educational organizations to collaborate and invest in properly preparing the workforce to tackle the green skills shortage.
More than half (55%) of the decision-makers say it’s important that new staff demonstrate their consciousness about climate change. Thirty-one percent claimed that it was a priority to invest in staff to prepare them for the green future.
Additionally, 43% of businesses remain committed to working toward their sustainability goals despite 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. While a third (33%) see it as an opportunity to future-proof their business.
The poll of workers showed that 34% of workers consider witnessing the negative impacts of 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.
One in five companies is currently recruiting for green positions, recognizing the significance of the green transition and the benefits it brings to their business and workforce, according to Joanna Bonnett from PageGroup.
