Green Skills

In the West of England, we have ambitions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2030. All industries are increasingly identifying the new green skills and jobs they need to transition towards a low carbon economy. Green skills and jobs will continue to grow and becoming more wide-ranging as industries work towards a sustainable net-zero future.

Picture of solar panels on buildings

What is a green job?

The West of England Combined Authority define a green job as:

“A job which will directly contribute towards the reduction of emissions and help to protect the environment.”

And/Or

“Will help to create the job functions, responsibilities, conditions, working practices and/or business processes which contribute towards reducing emissions, lowering the carbon footprint and protecting the environment.”

Green Skills

Facts & Figures

Whether you are looking to start a new career, upskill your current role to incorporate green skills, or advance the green skills you have, there are a variety of ways to get involved in the growing green sector.

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Net jobs needed by 2030
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Current low carbon jobs
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Average wage
Green Skills

Career Opportunities

Reducing carbon emissions of buildings is essential for us to reach net zero, and we need a variety of skills to achieve it. Opportunities in this area, range from a variety of construction and trade industries, to engineering, and professional services. Examples of new roles in this space include:

  • Retrofit installers such as plumbers installing heat pumps or electricians fitting solar panels.
  • Planning and design roles such as architects, surveyors, retrofit designers, coordinators, and project managers.
  • Engineers that look at new materials and technologies that reduce heat loss and make a building more energy efficient

Top green skills requested by employers

General skills
  • Communications
  • Management
  • Planning
  • Client Relations
  • Operations
  • Problem-solving
  • Innovation
  • Sales
  • Business Development
  • Effective Leadership
Specialist skills
  • Accountancy
  • Project Management
  • Risk Analysis
  • Auditing
  • Construction
  • Waste Management
  • Procurement
  • Renewable Energy
  • Health and Safety
  • Engineering
  • Planning

Career pathways into retrofit

Discover our comprehensive guide to career pathways into the growing field of domestic retrofitting. Whether you're a novice looking to start a new career or a seasoned professional aiming to upskill, our guide offers a clear roadmap to a rewarding career in retrofitting.

Access the retrofit career guide

Further Information

For further information about the Combined Authority’s approach to green skills visit the Employment and Skills Plan: West of England Employment & Skills Plan.

For further information about Retrofit and Green Skills research please visit: Green skills - West of England Combined Authority.

Find out more

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