-
- Provided by
-
- Select Location
The job market is rapidly evolving, and the concept of “green skills” is becoming pivotal across various industries. What we’re seeing is that employers are looking for candidates to help them meet sustainability goals and not only understand the science behind it but also implement it in practical ways. There is, however, a skills gap in this area. Higher Education experts QS share that from 2017-2024 there has been a 230% increase in demand for green skills, surpassing the demand for AI skills. By harnessing your knowledge and experience, could you fill this gap?
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 ranks climate mitigation as the third-most important factor transforming businesses globally. This shift will reshape many employment patterns, “with 47% of employers expecting climate initiatives to transform their operations by 2030”. It helps to remember the larger picture within this report: by 2030 it is estimated that approximately 170 million new jobs will be created, 34 million of these will be generated by green initiatives.
Parliament defines green skills as “the knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes needed to live in, develop and support a society which reduces the impact of human activity on the environment”. Green jobs include activities that directly or indirectly support lowering emissions and other environmental goals that contribute to preserving the planet. This takes many different forms, from roles that focus on reducing pollution, conserving energy or increasing recycling. There is also a vast range of jobs more broadly associated with green skills where the objective is to educate or change attitudes. Business education services Globis explain that “Developing green skills can transform routine work into purposeful action, creating the professional satisfaction that comes when what you’re good at intersects with what the world needs. Rather than requiring complete career reinvention, the most effective approach involves identifying which green capabilities complement your existing expertise and developing them systematically.” So, even if your career route doesn’t directly come under the umbrella of green jobs, there are various ways to utilise these skills to broaden your value when looking for graduate roles.
Ways of increasing your green skills can come from both educational and personal routes. When choosing your university, research how sustainable each institution is and see what impact they’re making on campus and beyond. Does your course include sustainability modules, what projects are available for you to join? There are likely to be various opportunities available through volunteering and on-campus schemes that will give you hands-on experience that can be added to your resume. UWE Bristol graduate Lorand credits his course for having a “strong focus on sustainability, which sends out a good signal to employers, showing you have an appreciation for one of the key issues for the industry going forward”. By increasing your knowledge in this area before applying for graduate jobs, you’re placing yourself in line to meet the demands of employers. Impact economist explain that “95.7% of business leads surveyed expect green skills to become significantly more important in five years’ time”. So, by equipping yourself with green experience, you’ll have the tools to understand and contribute to sustainability within your future role.
Our database gives you access to the top global employers looking for international talent. For jobs, news and free careers advice, register with GradLink today.