A new report published by skills development organisation, City & Guilds reveals a steep increase in demand for green skills. 

The results in its latest Impact Report analysed the employment and progression outcomes of 1.6 million learners, showing an increase of 38% in green skills learner training totals, with 13,545 certifications provided in 363 centres – highlighting the organisation’s positive role in moving the UK closer to meeting its Net Zero goals. 

The figures follow recent research from PWC1 identifying a green energy skills gap of around 200,000 workers, with skills shortfalls in industries including the production of renewable energy, EV infrastructure, waste management and recycling.  

In partnership with the Lifelong Education Institute, City & Guilds last month published research showing particularly strong support among business-owners (76%) for investment in ecological, environmental, sustainability, and other ‘green skills’ as essential to boosting both short and long-term productivity.

More than a quarter of business owners (27%) identified green skills gaps in existing roles. 

Kirstie Donnelly MBE, CEO of City & Guilds, said: “At City & Guilds we are committed to both reaching our own Net Zero targets and supporting the providers, employers and organisations we work with to reach theirs. Skills play an important role in creating sustainable jobs for the future – that are kinder to the environment, boost productivity and help us to meet national and international commitments to Net Zero.

It is clear that, to meet these goals, green skills will need to be developed in every sector and accessible at relevant career stages. Providers, awarding organisations and employers will need to develop, deliver and support programmes and qualifications that prepare learners for green jobs – today and in the future.

For this to happen, we need a talent pool of skilled individuals working across both green industries and the wider UK workforce, and a collective commitment to the continued development of green skills.”

A new training centre will be set up by City and Guilds for its Electrical division at the organisation’s London offices in February 2025 – creating more opportunities for individuals to upskill and addressing the UK’s Green Energy skills shortage, including in critical areas such as EV Car Charging and Air Source Heat Pumps. 

published by skills development organisation, City & Guilds. The full Impact Report 2024 can be viewed and downloaded here  

(Image: Kirstie Donnelly MBE, CEO, City & Guilds)