FOUR in 10 workers want to change their career – and work in a green industry to help save the planet.
A poll of 2,000 employees found 38 per cent long for a role which doesn’t have a negative impact such as in renewable energy, environmental protection and sustainable farming.
While others would like to get into zoology (15 per cent) or environmental science (10 per cent).
The biggest advocates for change were those aged 18-24, but 29 per cent of 45-54-year-olds were also keen to switch career paths for the better.
Of all those polled, 32 per cent aspire to a role in government where they could help shape the nation’s green policies.
The study was commissioned by OVO which is upskilling 15,000 roles to help the UK tackle the green skills shortage – bringing together future skills, education and apprenticeship programmes to shape a greener workforce for decades to come.
Charlotte Eaton, chief people officer at OVO, said: “It is encouraging to know the demand is there for green skilled jobs – especially from the next generation who have the opportunity and ambition to shape a more positive future.
“We’re passionate about supporting and inspiring more diverse talent to pursue careers that directly impact the climate crisis, the time for change is now.”
According to the OnePoll.com study, a quarter of those polled find it difficult to look for a job that has a positive impact on the environment.
The average worker thinks it will take them four years from now to make the switch, with research, sustainability, and more practical operations roles cited as the top three fields they’d most likely settle in.
Despite the ambition, 33 per cent of workers don’t feel educated enough when it comes to their impact on the environment.
Two-thirds claim their current job doesn’t offer any training opportunities for green skills, and half have never taken on any training in the area but would like to.
It also emerged that 68 per cent are yet to experience their ‘dream job’, but 66 per cent think the impact their role needs to have on the environment is important.
And 51 per cent have become more concerned about climate change and sustainability compared to a year ago.
