Green Careers Week 2024
From November 4th–8th, 2024, The Green Skills Academy at Coleg Sir Gâr is excited to celebrate Green Careers Week, an initiative designed to connect students, educators, parents, and local employers with the vast and growing field of green careers.
Green Careers Week emphasises the essential role sustainability will play in future careers. With every sector - from engineering and construction to finance and healthcare - incorporating sustainable practices, today’s students will play a pivotal role in shaping a greener tomorrow.
Redefining Green Careers
Traditionally, green careers were seen as limited to environmental conservation or renewable energy roles. Today, however, the definition of a green career has expanded to include any job with a focus on minimising environmental impact. From sustainable fashion design and eco-conscious supply chain management to corporate roles in sustainable strategy, green careers now span nearly every industry, reflecting a deeper integration of sustainable practices across the economy. The takeaway? Nearly all future roles will have an environmental dimension, making green skills essential for all careers.
Green Careers and Global Goals
Green Careers Week aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to create a sustainable and equitable world by 2030. Specifically, the week supports:
- Goal 4: Quality Education – By offering resources on sustainable careers, Green Careers Week equips students with the knowledge and skills for future jobs that protect our planet.
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The event highlights industries that promote safe, fair, and sustainable employment.
- Goal 13: Climate Action – Green Careers Week supports careers focused on climate change mitigation, renewable energy, and environmental advocacy.
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The week also encourages careers in sustainable production and resource management, key to reducing waste and promoting efficiency.
Wales’ Commitment: Supporting a Just Transition
Green Careers Week also aligns with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the goal of a just transition to Net Zero. This means ensuring the shift to a low-carbon economy benefits everyone, including those from traditional sectors. The Act’s seven well-being goals, including a Prosperous, Resilient, and Globally Responsible Wales, are reflected in Green Careers Week as it raises awareness of sustainable careers that support people, communities, and the environment.
By highlighting how green skills are in demand across sectors, Green Careers Week helps prepare learners for a just transition to Net Zero, ensuring that communities across Wales can adapt to and benefit from a sustainable economy.
Get Involved and Explore More
Throughout the week, Coleg Sir Gâr’s Green Skills Academy will be supporting our curriculum areas by sharing a quiz with our staff and students along with providing resources to introduce learners to the many paths within green careers, emphasising how each of these roles contributes to a more sustainable future. For more information, please connect with the Green Skills Academy, where additional training, career advice, and support for exploring these exciting pathways will be available.
Join us as we work together to shape a greener, fairer, and more prosperous future for Wales and beyond!
Listen to the recent Pod Profi, where the head of the Green Skills Academy, Jemma Parsons, talks about Green Careers and find out more information about what they do to support career development.
Looking Ahead: Wales Climate Week and Climate Conversations
Following Green Careers Week, it’s Wales Climate Week, running from November 11–15, 2024. As part of this event, Coleg Sir Gâr’s Green Skills Academy will host four Climate Conversations, a series of open discussions continuing through December. These sessions offer staff and students an inclusive space to share thoughts, concerns, and ideas around climate resilience, local impacts, and sustainable solutions. We’re looking forward to hearing our students’ thoughts, concerns and ideas around this topic which contribute to a meaningful dialogue on Wales’ climate future.