Careers

THE GREEN AND DIGITAL SKILLS SECTORS ARE EXPANDING RAPIDLY, WITH MANY EXCITING AND DIVERSE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ON OFFER. BUT WHAT EXACTLY ARE GREEN AND DIGITAL SKILLS, AND WHAT JOBS ARE AVAILABLE?

DEFINING THE SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

What do we mean by the term ‘green skills’?

The term ‘green skills’ is broad, but refers to the technical skills, knowledge, and capabilities required to tackle environmental challenges. 

There is a responsibility across all businesses to ensure that job roles evolve to help address the climate emergency. Eventually green skills will play a part in all jobs. For some sectors, such as construction, energy, agriculture and automotive, the need for green skills is more urgent. 

What do we mean by the term ‘digital skills’?

This term is also broad! In an increasingly digital world, all of us will possess some level of digital skill. Digital skills refer to the ability to use digital devices, communication applications, and networks to access and manage information.

These skills range from basic digital skills, such as online banking or using Microsoft Office tools, to advanced skills like data analytics, AI applications and UX design. As the world becomes ever more digitised, the need for this advanced digital expertise is unparalleled. 

WHAT JOBS ARE AVAILABLE?

The term ‘green job’ applies to any job that is contributing to environmental preservation, conservation and sustainability, including helping us to reach net zero goals. This covers everything from what we may consider as ‘pure green’ sectors, such as ecology, renewable energy and waste management, to emerging roles in traditional sectors such as construction and manufacturing, which are helping those industries become greener.  

Likewise, digital jobs are not limited to just the IT industry. They also include roles in traditional sectors which have been enhanced by digital possibilities, such as marketing, media, architecture, healthcare or logistics. The options here really are limitless, because everything is shifting to the online world!   

USEFUL RESOURCES

The two posters below from Youth Employment UK provide a brilliant overview of the opportunities in, and routes into, the green and digital sectors. 

For more information on what green and digital jobs are and what types of roles are available, the Government green jobs website and the London Digital Jobs & Skills Hub website are fantastic resources. 

We’ve shared more information on specific career pathways supported by our skills providers here. The two videos below also provide further insights into the world of green jobs.