Making green jobs accessible
A plan for employers and Government
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The UK is investing heavily in the transition to a greener economy. But there’s a growing risk at its core: the people these jobs are meant for don’t always see them as jobs for them.
Research with young people, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, shows a clear disconnect. The term ‘green jobs’ is often unclear, sometimes unappealing, and rarely how young people search for or think about their futures. Instead, they’re focused on something more immediate and universal: secure, well-paid work with clear pathways and progression.
Key findings
- ‘Green jobs’ is not always a helpful label for young people.
Young people from low‑income backgrounds often find the term unclear or misleading. What matters more is understanding what a job involves, what it pays, and where it can lead. - Young people prioritise good jobs over ‘green’ jobs.
Secure work, fair pay, progression and job quality matter most. Environmental or social impact can be motivating, but should not be the sole focus when promoting roles. - Awareness of green economy opportunities is low.
Many young people do not hear about green-related careers in school, and their understanding is often limited to a narrow set of sectors. Enabling roles such as finance, procurement and professional services are rarely recognised. - How support is delivered matters more than the type of intervention.
There is no single ‘best’ programme. Interventions are more effective when they reflect local labour markets, mirror real work rather than school, and are tailored to young people’s needs. - Skills gaps threaten the growth of the green economy.
Employers consistently highlight shortages in key skills. Young people are not being adequately prepared for, or informed about, emerging opportunities, limiting access and slowing progress.
How employers can take action
The findings point to a shared responsibility across employers, government, education and training providers. Employers in particular have a crucial role to play.
The employer action plan translates this evidence into practical guidance, setting out how employers can:
- Talk about good jobs first, not just green credentials
- Work with schools, careers services and charities to raise awareness
- Build local pathways into work linked to real labour market demand
- Open up entry routes through apprenticeships, training and entry‑level roles
- Review recruitment practices to remove unnecessary barriers
Together, the report and action plan aim to support a transition to a greener economy that is not only ambitious, but accessible to the young people who will shape its future.
Read the Employer action plan
Download the full report
Project partners
This project is generously supported by:
The EY Foundation is a UK registered charity that works directly with young people and employers to create or support pathways to education, employment or enterprise.
About Everyone's Environment
Communities shaping decisions about the climate, nature and our futures.
Everyone’s Environment is an alliance of social purpose and environmental groups championing community voices and life experiences. Together with communities experiencing inequalities, we are changing who is included indecisions about the climate, nature and our futures. NPC enables the alliance, working alongside more than 80 ambitious organisations.
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