Why We’re Doing This

THE GREEN AND DIGITAL SECTORS ARE GROWING EXPONENTIALLY, AND ACTION IS NEEDED TO ENSURE THE RIGHT SKILLS ARE BEING DEVELOPED TO MEET DEMAND. WE WANT PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITIES TO BE ABLE TO ACCESS THESE CAREERS, IN TURN ENABLING LOCAL BUSINESSES TO GROW.  

Over 600,000 new green jobs are expected by 2030. To support the UK’s aim to become net zero, more and more ‘traditional’ sectors now possess a green skills requirement. Construction is a brilliant example – there is a growing need for green skills in this sector, both for retrofitting older properties and for installing and maintaining new technologies such as heat pumps. 

More than a quarter (27%) of employers in London report struggling with green skills shortages. Research we’ve conducted with young Londoners tells us that, while the aspiration is there – with 50% of them saying they want to pursue a career in the green sector – the confidence and know-how isn’t. Almost 30% say they have little to no knowledge of what green skills mean. 

It’s a similar story in the digital sector. Over the coming years, we’re expecting to see more growth and employment opportunities in the digital and creative sector across London than in most other sectors (14%, compared with an average of 9%). There are multiple high-profile investments that our boroughs will benefit from, including the Thames Estuary Production Corridor and the Creative Industries Hub, part of the Mayor’s Academy programme.

Yet digital employers are more likely to report struggling to fill job vacancies than employers in other sectors – just over 70% of those with vacancies are finding it difficult to recruit. 

Our partnership ensures that skills providers are working closely with employers to deliver training that will address these skills gaps, and puts learners in the best position to secure employment in these sectors. 

FOR LEARNERS ACROSS OUR NETWORK, WE EXPECT TO DELIVER:

• Increased access to entry-level employment in the green and digital sectors
• Improved access to new skills and employment pathways, including for those up-skilling and re-skilling 
• Improved in-work (CPD) training, leading to higher value employment
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a network of cutting-edge green labs, and new digital infrastructure that optimises access & flexibility for local learners

FOR EMPLOYERS:

• Improved skills training and recruitment to meet acute and strategic needs
• Direct input into curriculum provision, ensuring skills & competencies meet employer needs
• Access to a network of local, quality assured skills training facilities
• Employers engaged in a new employer network
• Sub-regional employer events

FOR THE LOCAL ECONOMY:

• Improved local skills base in green and digital sectors 
• Potential for enhanced inward investment and clustered sector growth based on an increased skilled labour pool
• New job creation
• New employer network
• Support for the levelling up agenda and Local London economic strategy
• Transition towards a modern, low carbon, digitally-enabled economy