The City & Guilds Impact Report 2024 highlights a significant increase in demand for green skills training in the UK workforce, showing a 38% rise in learner training totals compared to the previous year.
- 13,545 certifications have been awarded across 363 centers, underscoring the growing importance of sustainable skills in achieving Net Zero goals.
- A substantial 27% of UK employers identify a gap in green skills within current roles, indicating the need for focused educational reforms.
- Partnerships, such as with the Lifelong Education Institute, are keen on advocating for investment in ecological and sustainability skills, vital for long-term productivity.
- City & Guilds is set to open a new training center to strengthen its commitment to equipping individuals with skills in areas like EV infrastructure and renewable energy.
The demand for green skills in the workforce has surged, as underscored by the City & Guilds Impact Report 2024. This report reveals a 38% increase in the number of individuals pursuing training in environmentally sustainable skills, awarding 13,545 certifications across 363 centers. This growth reflects a crucial step towards meeting the UK’s Net Zero objectives.
Recent research from PWC underscores a significant skills gap in green energy sectors, estimating a need for an additional 200,000 skilled workers. Critical areas such as renewable energy production, electric vehicle infrastructure, waste management, and recycling require urgent attention to bridge this gap.
Business owners are keenly aware of the importance of green skills, with 76% expressing strong support for investment in sustainability-focused training. A notable 27% of these employers have identified gaps in green skills within their current workforce, emphasizing the need for targeted educational programs.
City & Guilds, alongside the Lifelong Education Institute, is actively advocating for ecological and sustainability skills as a foundation for both immediate and future productivity enhancements. By equipping the workforce with essential green skills, businesses are better positioned to thrive sustainably.
In February 2025, City & Guilds will further its initiatives by opening a new training center at its London offices. This facility aims to provide vital upskilling opportunities in areas like EV charging and air source heat pumps, addressing critical shortages in the UK’s green energy capabilities.
Kirstie Donnelly, CEO of City & Guilds, articulates the organization’s commitment to not only achieving its own Net Zero targets but also supporting others in this vital pursuit. She highlights the importance of developing programs and qualifications that prepare individuals for eco-friendly careers.
Meeting the demand for green skills is crucial for the UK’s sustainable future and requires collective action from all sectors.
