A recent poll of 500 decision makers has found that 57% believe specialised green skills are important to their business, but many are struggling to find skilled staff, particularly in areas of sustainable engineering and finance. To address this skills gap, 27% are actively identifying opportunities and anticipating future business needs, while 26% are investing in professional training to upskill their existing workforce. Additionally, 23% are offering more on-the-job training and apprenticeships.
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. Among those considering the switch, 49% want a role that positively impacts the planet, while 36% want to future-proof their careers.
Joanna Bonnett, head of sustainability at PageGroup, emphasised the importance of policy makers, businesses, and educational organisations collaborating and investing in properly preparing the workforce to tackle the green skills shortage. She added that doing so will create a pipeline of talent that is ready for the jobs of the future and will help to achieve net zero goals.
More than half (55%) of decision makers say it is important that new staff demonstrate their consciousness about climate change, with 31% claiming that it is a priority to invest in staff to prepare them for the green future.
The poll of workers also showed that 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. Additionally, a third (33%) see it as an opportunity to future-proof their business.
The poll of workers conducted by OnePoll.com found 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.
Joanna Bonnett from PageGroup added that with one in five companies currently recruiting for green positions, it is clear they recognise the significance of the green transition, and importantly, the benefits it brings to their business and workforce.
