A poll of 2,000 employees found 38% long for a role which doesn’t have a negative impact such as in renewable energy, environmental protection and sustainable farming.
A poll of 2,000 people in work found a lot want to have a job which doesnt have a negative impact on the planet, with many planning to pursue roles in renewable energy, environmental protection and sustainable transport. (
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 career paths included zoology (15%) and environmental science (10%).
The most eager for change were those aged 18-24, but a significant 29% of 45-54 year olds also expressed a desire to switch careers for the better. Of all respondents, 32% aspire to work in government where they could influence the country’s green policies.
The research was commissioned by OVO, which is currently upskilling 15,000 roles to help the UK address the green skills gap, combining future skills, education and apprenticeship programmes to cultivate a greener workforce for the future.
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’ll need four years to transition into a greener role, with research, sustainability, and practical operations being the top three fields of interest.
Despite these aspirations, 33% of workers feel they lack sufficient knowledge about their environmental impact. A significant 66% claim their current job doesn’t provide any training opportunities for green skills, and half have never received any such training but would like to.
Interestingly, 68% haven’t yet landed their ‘dream job’, but two-thirds 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.