UK Leads in Demand for Green Skills as Global Workforce Prepares for Net-Zero Transition
As world leaders convene at COP29 to discuss climate action, new data from LinkedIn reveals that the UK is at the forefront of the green workforce transition. The report, titled Understanding the Green Transition: Supply and Demand Dynamics, shows the UK’s rapid growth in demand for green skills, highlighting opportunities and challenges in meeting the ambitious 2050 net-zero emissions target.
According to LinkedIn’s research, as of July this year, 13% of UK job postings called for green skills, compared to a global average of 6%. Over the past three years, demand for green talent in the UK has risen by an average of 20% annually, with a remarkable 46% increase in the last year alone. This growth indicates strong market momentum in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainability research, and pollution prevention, as well as in traditionally high-emission industries such as oil, gas, and mining.
However, the increase in demand for green talent is currently outpacing the supply of skilled workers. LinkedIn estimates that, to keep up with global net-zero goals, the pool of green talent must double by 2050, at a minimum. This talent gap poses a risk to the speed and scale of the green transition in the UK, where demand is growing faster than the available workforce can currently support.
A Call to Action for UK Workers
The gap in green skills presents a unique opportunity for UK workers to upskill or pivot into green careers, such as those within the energy assessment and retrofit industry.
Elmhurst’s training programmes are designed to support essential roles in the retrofit market, including training for PAS 2035 compliant Retrofit Assessors and Retrofit Coordinators. These roles are crucial to ensuring that retrofit projects meet rigorous standards for energy efficiency and carbon reduction, as set by the TrustMark scheme.
By completing our training, professionals in fields such as construction, engineering, and property management can gain specialised knowledge in retrofit assessment, building performance, and compliance, positioning them to lead in sustainable building practices. Elmhurst’s courses offer workers the opportunity to support the UK’s green transition and contribute directly to the achievement of net-zero goals.
To respond to the growing demand for green skills, Elmhurst is developing training solutions aimed at equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to build and thrive in green careers.
Elmhurst's Thoughts
Josh Wakeling, Head of Training at Elmhurst, comments:
“The UK’s growing demand for green skills highlights a powerful shift across both sustainable and traditionally high-emission industries. As someone deeply invested in the training sector, particularly for energy efficiency and sustainable buildings, I see this as a call to action.
It’s essential that we align workforce skills with the rapid growth in demand, particularly in areas such as tackling fuel poverty, pollution prevention, and sustainable buildings. Upskilling is crucial, and through structured, high-quality training, we can bridge the talent gap and support the UK’s ambitious net-zero goals.
At Elmhurst, we’re committed to equipping professionals with the skills needed to lead in this transition. You can learn more about our green skills training on our Green Skills Training UK page”
Looking Ahead
As the UK’s demand for green talent continues to grow, upskilling the workforce has become a national priority. Elmhurst is working to provide UK workers with the necessary training to support the green transition.
The opportunities for career growth in the green economy are clear, and the benefits of aligning the workforce with net-zero goals could be transformative, not only for the UK but also for the global community. For UK workers ready to upskill, there’s never been a better time to pursue a green career.
To view the LinkedIn report, please click the following link: Understanding the Green Transition: Supply and Demand Dynamics
More Information on Green Skills Training
For more information on Elmhurst’s initiatives and green training opportunities, visit the Green Skills Training UK page by clicking the button below.
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