Career choices that
change the world
Introduction
It's time to act. It's time to take part in the green revolution. We all know that the current climate change crisis is really important, but did you know that it affects all of us? Go Green is here to teach you everything you need to know about the climate crisis, including the ways in which you can help, what our local councils are already doing and the green careers waiting for you.
999 CLIMATE
EMERGENCY
Human activity and behaviours are the main cause of climate change.
In the last 100 years the
earth’s average temperature has
increased faster than
previously before.
THIS IS GLOBAL WARMING
30% of the world’s population
is exposed to deadly heat
waves more than 20 days a year.
2019 was the second hottest
year on record – Up by 1.1
degrees Celsius.
Use of fossil fuels like petrol, diesel,
gas and coal is the principal cause
of global warming.
Greenhouse gases produced
when we burn these fuels
contain a lot of carbon,
hence the term
‘carbon emissions’.
We need to reduce emissions by
7.6% every year from this
year to 2030.
Carbon dioxide makes up
two-thirds of all
greenhouse gases.
Communities, the environment, and
the economy will be badly affected.
Extreme weather is affecting our
health and wellbeing, and
impacting natural habitats.
The cost of living will
continue to increase, including
the cost of food, fuel
and insurance.
Did you know?
The government’s Green Jobs Taskforce has been set up with a goal to create 1,000 green jobs in our area! www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/a-mayoral-combined-authority/mayoral-pledges/1000-green-jobs-in-west-yorkshire/
Did you know?
The new development of the Mayoral Green Jobs Gateway will provide 1,000 well-paid, skilled, green jobs for young people.
Want to learn more about green careers? Head to:
Green careers guide | British Council
GLOBAL CITIZENS UNITE
How you live your life can make an impact.
Lighting
Use LED bulbs rather than ones.
LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy than regular bulbs and last much longer. Replacing a 50W halogen with an LED could cut your energy costs by £75 over the lifetime of the bulb.
Rubbish
Make sure to recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass and aluminium cans.
Recycling a can uses less energy than making a new one. The energy you save could power your television for three hours.
Heating
Keep your home at the right temperature.
More than half of all the energy we use in our homes comes from heating and cooling. You can save 10-15% on your energy bill if you set your
thermostat to 18-21˚c in winter.
Shopping habits
Consider buying clothing from sustainable companies who use recycled materials.
85% of clothing ends up in landfill sites, adding to the carbon emissions caused by waste. By swapping clothing or buying from sustainable companies less waste is created.
Want to find out more about your future career options? Head to: nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-careers
How you live your life can make an impact.
Lighting
Use LED bulbs rather than ones.
LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy than regular bulbs and last much longer. Replacing a 50W halogen with an LED could cut your energy costs by £75 over the lifetime of the bulb.
Rubbish
Make sure to recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass and aluminium cans.
Recycling a can uses less energy than making a new one. The energy you save could power your television for three hours.
Heating
Keep your home at the right temperature.
More than half of all the energy we use in our homes comes from heating and cooling. You can save 10-15% on your energy bill if you set your thermostat to 18-21˚c in winter.
Shopping habits
Consider buying clothing from sustainable companies who use recycled materials.
85% of clothing ends up in landfill sites, adding to the carbon emissions caused by waste. By swapping clothing or buying from sustainable companies less waste is created.
Want to find out more about your future career options? Head to: nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-careers
SAVING THE WORLD:
JOBS
FOR THE FUTURE
SAVING THE WORLD:
JOBS
FOR THE FUTURE
Now you’ve thought about the small, everyday changes you can make to go green, let’s look at the bigger picture: green jobs.
What is a ‘green’ job?
A green job can be anything that supports the UK’s journey towards meeting environmental goals, such as lowering carbon emissions or restoring nature. This can be in any sector and match with any interest!
How do I get a green job?
The good thing about green jobs is that, because there are so many types in so many areas, there are different pathways you could follow to get into a job that can help save the world.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships allow you to ‘earn while you learn’ with a mix of classroom learning and paid work. They range from Level 3 (AS Level equivalent) up to Level 7 (masters/post graduate equivalent). They’re a great option if you know what area you want to work in and are keen to build your skills through hands-on experience.
There is a huge range of apprenticeship standards out there that could lead into a green job.
Some examples include:
Agriculture, Environmental
& Animal Care
- Countryside ranger
- Arborist
- Fencing installer
- Crop technician
- Ecologist
Transport
- EV technician
- Bicycle mechanic
- Rail and rail systems engineer
- Road surface operative
- Transport planner
Engineering & Manufacturing
- Automation and controls engineering technician
- Construction equipment maintenance technician
- General welder
- Metal fabricator
Digital
- Network engineer
- Data technician
- Network cable installer
Health & Science
- Environmental health practitioner
- Research scientist
- Food industry technical professional
Business, Administration & Procurement
- Sustainability business specialist
- Systems thinking practitioner
- Procurement and supply assistant
Energy
- Community energy specialist
- Electrical power networks engineer
- Gas network operative
- Power network craftsperson
Buildings & Retrofitting
- Building services engineer installer
- Floor layer
- Scaffolder
- Smart home technician
Other Construction
- Groundworker
- Structural steelwork fabricator
- Geospatial survey technician
- Civil engineering technician
Protective Services
- Fire safety inspector
- Safety, health and environment technician
- Water process operative
- Water treatment technician
Circular Economy & Recycling
- Waste resource operative
- Metal recycling general operative
- Digital device repair technician
Level 3 BTECs/Diplomas
BTECs are practical courses that allow you to learn by doing. They are great for people who like to get hands-on and prefer coursework over exams.
Examples of Level 3 BTECs related to green jobs include:
Agriculture, Environmental
& Animal Care
- Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture
- Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture
- Certificate in Environmental Sustainability
Buildings & Retrofitting
- National Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment
- Diploma In Thermal Insulation
- NVQ Diploma in Roofing Occupations
- Diploma for Designing, Engineering and Constructing a Sustainable
Built Environment
Digital
- Diploma in Networking and Cybersecurity
- Diploma in Computing
- Diploma in Software Development
- Certificate in Digital Engineering Design
Energy
- Diploma in Gas Engineering
- Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation and Maintenance:
Water Heating and Wet Central Heating
Engineering & Manufacturing
- Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Engineering
- Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Techniques and Skills
- Diploma in Nuclear Engineering & Science
A Levels
A Levels are subject-based qualifications which allow you to learn about the theoretical side of a subject to a higher degree than at GCSE.
There is an extensive list of A Level courses that can give you skills and knowledge needed for many green jobs, including:
- Accounting
- Architecture
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Design and Technology
- Economics
- Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Fashion and Textiles
- Geography
- Geology
- Global Development
- Law
- Marine Science
- Maths
- Physics
- Politics
- Sociology
Degrees
You don’t have to go to university or get a degree to find a green job! In many cases you can go straight into a job after completing an apprenticeship or Level 3 course.
If you do want to study a subject for longer before looking for a job, there are plenty of degrees out there that link to green jobs. For example:
- BA in Business Studies
- BSc in Engineering
- BSc in Environmental Science
- BA in Environmental Law
- BSc in Geography
- BSc in Health Sciences
- BSc in Horticulture
- BSc in Landscape Architecture
- BSc in Marine Sciences
- BA in Urban Planning
Interested in any of these green careers and want to know more? Simply head to: nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-careers
SAVING THE WORLD:
SKILLS
FOR THE FUTURE
Remember, a green job can be anything that supports the UK’s journey towards environmental goals.
Now that you’ve thought about the personal changes you can make to go green and studied some of the career options, it’s time to check out the key skills you’ll need to achieve in your future green career!
Did you know?
A career as an Ecologist would see you studying the connection between plants, animals and the environment. For this type of study, the soft skills curiosity and creativity are important.
Becoming skill-ready!
Together with any important qualifications needed for your chosen ‘green career’, you’ll also need to have a few skills, known as ‘transferrable skills’.
Lots of people and employers are focusing on the skills required for greener jobs, rather than specific job titles that would be green. Those skills are the usual transferable skills we talk about!
Transferable skills are personal attributes that enable you to work well with those around you and manage day-to-day tasks.
Including: Empathy, social/emotional intelligence, judgement, design mind-set, sense-making, collaboration and communication.
Want to learn more about green careers? Head to:
Green careers guide | British Council
Critical thinking
Analysing
Evaluating
Making decisions
Reflecting
Creativity
Problem-solving
Questioning
Making observations
Experimenting
Curiosity
Researching
Innovating
Developing
Enhancing knowledge
Change management
Adapting
Empathising
Supporting
Taking ownership
Collaboration
Cooperating
Teamworking
Communicating
Listening
Did you know?
The soft skills critical thinking and creativity are perfect for a career as a Smart Home Technician. This career includes fitting devices that help a homeowner control their heating, audio and electricity.
Did you know?
Becoming a Transport Planner involves a lot of tasks, including assessing infrastructure and analysing data. For a role like this, the soft skills change management and collaboration would come in extremely handy.
Now that you’ve spent time understanding climate change and its impact , realised what makes a ‘green’ career and learned all about your own skills, it’s time to put your “greenest” foot forward and carry out your own research.
Want to push yourself even further? Take a look at some of our other interactive resources specifically designed to help you refine and practise your soft skills, your CV writing ability and your interview technique.
Virtual Work Experience - challenge yourself in a mock-interview and refine your interview skills.
FutureGoals Remote - test your communication and planning skills, develop your creative thinking and challenge yourself to think outside of the box.
Next Steps Toolkit - get to know your skills, learn more about your abilities and learn how to sell yourself to potential employers.
ADVICE AND GUIDANCE FOR ADULTS
With energy prices increasing and West Yorkshire’s declaration of a climate emergency, now is the perfect time to live a greener lifestyle. Becoming more energy-efficient and protecting our planet is on everyone’s agenda, across our entire region. But how can you be more green?
MAYORAL PLEDGE
Tackle the climate emergency and protect our environment.
For more information, head to
www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/a-mayoral-combined-authority/mayoral-pledges/
MAYORAL PLEDGE
Created 1,000 skilled green jobs and make our region net-zero by 2038. We need to reduce emissions by 7.6% each year. This is at global level. Our regional 2038 net zero target requires us to go faster: 14.5% year on year.
Why are these pledges?
Employers need skilled workers to help make the changes needed to become a net zero carbon economy by 2038.
The number of young people in employment dramatically dropped in the pandemic. Long-term unemployment for young people can make it even harder to get back into work and negatively impacts wellbeing.
What is the mayor doing?
The Mayor has set up a Green Jobs Taskforce to make recommendations in early 2023 about how to make best use of the opportunities that transitioning to a net zero economy in West Yorkshire will bring.
For more information, head to
www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/a-mayoral-combined-authority/mayoral-pledges/1000-green-jobs-in-west-yorkshire/
It’s important to understand how we use energy and how we can all make simple and often low or no-cost changes to reduce our energy consumption.
Electrics
Only fill your kettle with enough water for what you need. Boiling enough water for 1 cup will cost around 1p worth of energy.
When you need to replace an electrical appliance, look for the highest energy efficiency rating you can afford. The most efficient rating is A down to G at the bottom.
Switch off things like TVs at the plug rather than leaving them on standby. This could save you nearly £40 per year!
Heating
Check that your heating thermostat isn’t too close to an open window, cold spot or radiator.
Install radiator valves around your home that allow you to control the temperature of each radiator. Don’t use a room very often? Turn off the radiator.
You could turn your thermostat down by 1 degree and see if you notice the difference in your energy bills.
Washing
Wash your clothes at 30 degrees when you can and wait until you have a full load.
Use your dishwasher when it is full and use an ECO setting if you have one.
Dry your clothes outside where possible.
Cooking
Consider using a microwave where possible as they use far less energy.
Ovens use a lot of energy. Consider using it to total capacity each time. Consider filling it and cooking a few meals together, then freezing or refrigerating for later on in the week.
Induction hobs are a good swap for gas, especially as electricity is becoming greener – wind power etc.
Home appliances
While the bulk of energy is used to provide heating and hot water, our lighting systems and all the appliances we use add up too!
The table below shows the typical amount of energy that some of the appliances we have at home use per hour or, where applicable, for 10 minutes.
Buying energy-efficient appliances
Making sure that the appliances you buy are energy efficient will not only save you money but also reduce your carbon footprint.
What to look for…
When choosing a new appliance, from a kettle to a microwave, make sure to check the energy label. The energy label tells you how much energy an appliance uses compared to similar products.
To know which is the most energy-efficient (and the best for saving you money), simply look at the rating on a scale of A to G, with A being the most efficient product of its class and G being the least efficient.
Did you know?
A G-rated 265-litre fridge freezer could cost around £80 a year to run, whereas a larger 424-litre fridge freezer with a better F rating could cost about £90 a year to run.
Heating your home
Improving your heating system’s efficiency will help reduce your fuel bills and carbon emissions.
Did you know?
The average household generated 2,690kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) from space heating and hot water heating in 2020. By 2050, we need to reduce this to just 140kg per household.
Boilers
Heating and hot water account for over half of what you spend in a year on energy bills, so an efficient boiler makes a big difference.
If it’s time to change your boiler, or if you’re thinking ahead for when it needs to be replaced, you’ll need to decide what type of heating system is right for you. Now might be the right time to switch to a low or zero-carbon emission heating system.
Costs and savings
Replacing a gas boiler
The costs for replacing a boiler will vary, but a straightforward gas boiler replacement plus thermostatic radiator valves will typically cost about £4,000.
Need help with replacing an old boiler?
Check out www.betterhomesyorkshire.co.uk/new-boiler for more information about boiler replacement and the help available!
Reducing home heat loss
There are many simple yet effective ways to insulate your home, which can help to reduce heat loss while lowering your heating bills.
Options include:
Cavity wall insulation
About a third of all the heat lost in an uninsulated home escapes through the walls. By properly insulating cavity walls, you will save energy and reduce your heating bill.
Solid wall insulation
Insulating your solid walls could reduce your heating bills. If your home was built before the 1920s, its external walls are probably solid rather than cavity walls.
Floor insulation
Insulating your ground floor is a great way to keep your property warm.
Loft insulation
A quarter of heat is lost through the roof in an uninsulated home. Insulating your loft or attic is an excellent way to reduce heat loss and heating bills.
Draught proofing
To draught-proof your home, you should block up gaps that let cold air in and warm air out. Saving warm air means you’ll use less energy to heat your home, save money, and make your home nice and cosy.
Windows and doors
If you currently have single glazed windows, you’re probably losing a lot of heat through them. Energy-efficient glazing covers both double and triple glazing. These are windows with two or more glass panes in a sealed unit.
Did you know?
Installing 270mm insulation in an uninsulated loft will save on
average each year:
£215 in a four-bed detached house
£130 in a three-bed semi
£115 in a three-bed mid-terrace
£185 in a two-bed detached bungalow
Retrofitting your home
Carrying out improvements to your home is a perfect place to start on your journey to becoming greener.
What does it mean to Retrofit your home?
Retrofit is simply the process of making changes to existing buildings so that energy consumption and emissions are reduced.
Thinking about making changes? To find out what help is available in your area, simply head to: www.betterhomesyorkshire.co.uk/
Your home’s energy performance
The main reason for Retrofitting your home is to improve its energy performance. You might have heard of an EPC (energy performance certificate) before. This is something that every property has, and it looks at:
· Total floor area
· Property type
· Walls
· Secondary heating
· Hot water
· Main heating
Giving a final energy rating score.
This score can be improved with the right changes to your home – saving you money and saving the environment.
An Energy Performance Certificate tells you how energy efficient your property is and gives it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). It provides an estimate of the energy costs to heat and light your home and what its carbon dioxide emissions are likely to be.
An EPC also includes information on what the energy efficiency rating could be if you made the improvements that are recommended. It also shows what these are typically likely to cost and what the savings are likely to be.
How to get an EPC
EPCs are a legal requirement whenever a property is built, sold or rented. If your home doesn’t already have an EPC, you’ll need to find a qualified, accredited assessor www.gov.uk/get-newenergy-certificate who will assess your property and produce the certificate. Costs vary and depend on the type and size of the property but usually start from around £60.
Now’s the time to make green choices!
Now you’ve got the right information, it’s time to make the right changes to your home! For more information on energy-saving home improvements, including government schemes and available funding, and to gain a better understanding of the region’s green pledges, simply head to:
www.betterhomesyorkshire.co.uk/
energysavingtrust.org.uk/
www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/a-mayoral-combined-authority/mayoral-pledges/
How to Secure a Green Career
With such a focus being placed on how to be greener, why not extend this focus to employment opportunities? You can make a positive impact on the environment at home and at work!
Each job within the green sector allows you to make a difference in sustainability, conservation and the Earth. Whether you want to get your hands dirty or help in other ways, there are many career options out there for your specific skills.
Here are a few examples of popular green careers:
Recycle worker
Environmental technician
Wind turbine technician
Water resources engineer
Environmental scientist
Energy Manager
Civil engineer
However, did you know that there are now even more careers that can benefit the environment, not just those that you’d expect?
You may already possess the skills needed for a successful green career. The green sector needs a skilled workforce, including not only people who have scientific qualifications but also those who carry out traditional craft and technical jobs.
Here are a few of the most popular skills needed for the green sector:
Complex problem solving
Communication
Agricultural skills
Planning
Monitoring skills
Science skills
Resource management
Financial skills
Creativity
Let’s take a look at a few examples of people who are already having a positive impact on the environment within their current roles.
Liam, MD/Retrofit Coordinator, ECC Energy Efficiency Consultants.
“I began my green career at college where I completed a HND (Higher National Diploma) in Information Technology and then onto university where I studied Business IT. I worked for Barclays Bank whilst at university and when I finished studying I went on to work for Barclays full time. This career was cut short in 2008 due to the financial crisis and I ended up working for a sales and marketing company. This led to me starting my own company in 2012 centred around the Green Deal initiative. The company has evolved over the past decade due to various external factors and now provides whole house retrofit services.
I’ve taken some of my sales/marketing skills into my business along with the business aspect of my studies. My favourite part of my role is supporting clients and residents in providing retrofit advice, therefore, saving on their energy bills.”
Jake, Resource Efficiency Manager, West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
“I studied a BSc in Environmental Science after completing my A -Levels. After this I went to work in Bristol for 2 years as a Graduate Environmental Consultant for a large international consultancy firm. I then went back to study an MSc in Sustainability & Businesses. After taking a year off for traveling I went to work in Manchester as a Sustainability Consultant for a not-for-profit organisation.
I was fortunate in a way that I knew from early on, around 15 or so, that I wanted to work in this field – so that has made it easier to plot a course to where I am today. My MSc in Sustainability provided a lot of useful theory that I use in my current role. I enjoy working with businesses to help them become more sustainable and open their eyes to opportunities that perhaps they hadn’t considered before.”
Jeremiah, DFMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly) Manager, CITU (a sustainable builder of homes).
“Being extremely hands-on and always tinkering with stuff, I ended up doing a National Diploma in 3D Design at Tameside College. In 2008 I started my 3 years course in 3D Product and Furniture Design. Got my first big break in the industry in 2013, as a Creative Designer at Stoelzle Flaconnage. They are a global glass manufacture specialising in prestige spirit bottles, think Johnny Walker, Haig Club, Brockmans Gin. Worked my way up in the company to become their Global Innovation Manager for their Prestige Spirits.
In 2017 I was fortunate enough to be one of the early recruits for ILKE Homes, that’s where I caught the sustainability bug! Designed their very first house that rolled of the production line, starting off as a Design Engineer and left as a Senior Design Engineer in 2020. Couldn’t shake the desire to design and build better, I joined Net Zero Buildings. Designing energy efficient and zero carbon schools throughout lockdown really sharpened my skills in this industry. As a Lead Designer, inspiring a team daily left me with a sense of pride and hunger to do more. In 2021, something amazing happened, got a call out of the blue and was introduced to CITU.
My favourite thing about my role is waking up every day knowing I’m actively making a difference. It’s the best feeling EVER!”
A little bit about Dyson Energy Services…
“As a leading energy-saving company, we work on projects of all sizes. We have a growing footprint in insulation, heating and renewable services and this year we mark Dyson Energy Services completing 40 years of trading.
To date, we estimate to have carried out approaching 3 million energy-saving measures across insulation, heating & renewables. As a leading national installer, we provide our customers with cost-effective measures, delivered, and installed to the highest possible standards.”
Marc, Head of Quality and Supervision at Dyson Energy Services
Anyone looking for a career in the energy efficiency industry should be inspired by Marc’s personal career journey and progression since he joined Dyson Energy Services almost 14 years ago.
Marc joined the team back in 2008 as a Cavity Wall Insulation Technician, and just a couple of years later became a valued member of the Contracting team. Later in 2010, Marc took up the role of an onsite Supervisor, which involved carrying out technical monitoring to ensure the highest possible standards were always maintained. Marc then took on a new challenge as Depot Manager for the Manchester region.
Today, Marc is Head of Quality and Supervision, and has been in the post since 2017. Together with his team, they ensure the quality and high standards continue for the next 40 years and beyond.
Paul, Loft Insulation Technician at Dyson Energy Services
“I joined Dyson Energy Services over 21 years ago. My role as Loft Insulation Technician means I am out and about in different locations meeting new people every day. I enjoy interacting with customers and knowing that I am playing a part in helping lower their energy bills gives me job satisfaction.”
Lisa, Office Administrator at Dyson Energy Services.
15 years ago, shortly after moving to Dyson House at Brighouse, Lisa was given the opportunity to supervise a team within the office. Lisa’s progression didn’t stop there. Later, due to expansion within our Heating Department, Lisa took on the challenge and excelled, in a senior role within the team.
Currently, Lisa works within a busy team who process orders, either through housing association and local authority projects, or directly from a customer, ensuring they are fully compliant so that funding can be granted from our big 6 energy company clients.
“My experience in a wide range of roles over the years has given me the knowledge and confidence to offer advice to customers and fellow colleagues regarding insulation, heating, and renewable queries”, Lisa said.
With an in-depth knowledge in the complexities of funding streams such as ECO, Lisa really is an invaluable member of the team.
Making the choice to start or change to a green career.
The fact is, a lot of green companies have been around for decades – just look at the previous employee case studies for example. However, there are always new trends in employment, especially with green careers. Finding a solid career path into the green sector doesn’t always require a university degree. Let’s take a look at some of the routes into the sector:
Education and training courses
E.g. Agricultural Engineering Level 2
www.gov.uk/higher-education-courses-find-and-apply
nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course
For further information about free online courses and where to find them head to: www.futuregoals.co.uk/skillsconnect
Apprenticeships
E.g. Metal Recycling General Operative Apprenticeship
www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
www.britishcouncil.org/climate-connection/be-inspired/green-careers/green-directory
An apprenticeship allows you to combine work and study by mixing on-the-job training and classroom learning – they can be carried out at any point in your career and at any age!
Jobs
E.g. Home Energy Advisor - £22,500 per year
For jobs in the West Yorkshire area head to: www.futuregoalsjobs.co.uk
If you need support or advice in finding a job, apprenticeship or training head to our local Employment Hubs: futuregoals.co.uk/education-and-careers-advice/adult-careers-support
Traineeship
A traineeship is a skills development programme that includes a work placement. Programmes can last from 6 months to one year.
For more information, head to: www.gov.uk/government/publications/traineeship-providers
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