A survey of 2,000 workers revealed that 38% are yearning for a job that doesn’t negatively impact the environment, such as roles in renewable energy, environmental protection and sustainable farming. Other popular fields include zoology (15%) and environmental science (10%).
The most significant advocates for change were those aged 18-24, but 29% of those aged 45-54 also expressed a desire to switch careers for the better. Interestingly, 32% of all respondents aspire to a government role where they could influence the country’s green policies.
The research was commissioned by OVO, which is currently upskilling 15,000 roles to address the UK’s green skills shortage, combining future skills, education and apprenticeship programmes to cultivate a greener workforce for the coming decades.
Charlotte Eaton, Chief People Officer at OVO, commented: “It is encouraging to know the demand is there for green skilled jobs especially from the next generation who have the opportunity and ambition to shape a more positive future. We’re passionate about supporting and inspiring more diverse talent to pursue careers that directly impact the climate crisis, the time for change is now.”
According to the OnePoll.com study, a quarter of those surveyed find it challenging to search for a job that positively impacts the environment.
The average worker believes they will need four years to transition into a green job, with research, sustainability, and practical operations roles being the most desirable fields.
However, 33% of workers feel they lack sufficient knowledge about their environmental impact. A staggering two-thirds claim their current job doesn’t offer any training opportunities for green skills, and half have never received any training in this area but would like to.
Interestingly, 68% have yet to land their ‘dream job’, but 66% believe it’s important that their role has a positive impact on the environment. Moreover, 51% are more worried about climate change and sustainability than they were a year ago.
Here are the top 15 most popular green roles:
- Zoology.
- Environmental protection.
- Renewable energy.
- Recycling coordinator.
- Environmental science.
- Sustainable farming.
- Climate scientist.
- Environmental law.
- Sustainability manager.
- Sustainable transport.
- Green architect.
- Wind turbine engineer.
- Solar panel installer.
- Green housing engineer.
- Green transport officer.