Wasted opportunity

UK will struggle to meet net zero-targets – unless young people are encouraged to join the green economy.

The waste and resource management sector encompasses all aspects of handling waste, from collection and transportation to processing, recycling and disposal. In the construction industry, it is critical for environmental sustainability and the circular economy. The Planning for the Future: Recruiting diverse talent into waste and resource management study, commissioned by the Environmental Solutions & Services Expo and charity Groundwork UK, looked at attitudes to careers in the environmental sector among 16-24 year olds and showed the extent of the green skills job gap in the UK.

Garry Campbell, Head of Policy & Communications at Groundwork UK, said: “The report highlights the work that must be done to ensure young people – particularly those from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds – don’t miss out on rich and rewarding careers in the environmental sector.

“To achieve this, we need a mix of better careers guidance in schools, action to inspire young people about the opportunities on offer, and a concerted effort in the sector to create more accessible career pathways.”

84% have not even considered a career in the sector
70% have never received any careers advice on the skills required or roles available in the waste and resource management sector
62% believed that the work is unappealing and ‘dirty’
50% cited a lack of information as a career barrier, despite the UK government legislating a net-zero emissions target in 2019 for 2050
49% reported that having a job that helps the UK reach carbon neutrality was important to them
42% stated that it was the lack of role models in the sector putting them off

Positive steps

Groundwork UK’s New to Nature is a programme of paid work placements designed to deliver life-changing career opportunities for people from under-represented groups, while contributing to wider efforts to create a more diverse and accessible natural environment sector. The programme is being delivered through a partnership of Groundwork UK, Youth Environmental Service, The King’s Trust, Disability Rights UK and Mission Diverse; it is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Planning for the Future: Recruiting diverse talent into waste and resource management b.link/Groundwork_future
Groundwork UK’s New to Nature programme b.link/Groundwork_nature