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Reaching a target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as well as a climate resilient society, will require transformational change across the economy and society. This also brings opportunities for skills development, training and employment (i.e. green jobs). Technical skills will be key, but soft skills will also play an important role in driving behaviour change. Identifying skills gaps and the potential for high growth sectors will support the Draft Green Growth Strategy and the Skills for a 10X Economy both of which promote sustainable economic growth, the creation of new green jobs, and the benefits of greener ways of working and living across our society.  

Benefits of Greening Jobs  

Creating secure employment and training opportunities can contribute significantly to social value by promoting economic growth, reducing unemployment, and addressing the demand for skilled workers. As outlined in the OECD Skills Strategy Northern Ireland, climate change will have substantial implications for the labour market with some jobs ceasing to exist, while others will evolve and there will be new opportunities.  

Businesses, communities and individuals can benefit from the transition to a net zero, climate resilient Northern Ireland when opportunities for enhancing green skills and jobs promoting sustainable practices are communicated and shared widely. Northern Ireland Environment Link share opportunities within the environment sector to encourage employment, professional development and upskilling of staff through training opportunities.  

Useful Information: 

• Community NI – Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise job and volunteering opportunities across Northern Ireland: https://www.communityni.org/job
• Education for Sustainable Development Forum – Thinking About Furthering Your Education in the Environment in Northern Ireland?: https://www.esdforum.org.uk/thinking-about-furthering-your-education-in-the-environment-in-northern-ireland 
• LinkedIn – Global Green Skills Report 2023:
  https://economicgraph.linkedin.com/research/global-green-skills-report
• Local Government Association – Green jobs: creating the workforce to deliver net zero:
  https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/green-jobs-creating-workforce-deliver-net-zero  
• NIJobs – Environment Opportunities: https://www.nijobs.com/jobs/environmental  
• NIJobFinder – Charity and Voluntary Opportunities:
  https://www.nijobfinder.co.uk/jobs/charity-and-voluntary
• Northern Ireland Environment Link – Jobs, Volunteering and Training in the Environment Sector:
  https://www.nienvironmentlink.org/opportunities-overview
• Place-Based Climate Action Network – Bringing green skills in from the periphery:
  https://pcancities.org.uk/bringing-green-skills-periphery
• UK Parliament – Green skills in education and employment:
  https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/POST-PN-0711/POST-PN-0711.pdf
• University of Derby – Do we have the green skills to get the green jobs done?:
  https://www.derby.ac.uk/magazine/issue-14/do-we-have-the-green-skills-to-get-the-green-jobs-done
• Volunteer Now:  https://www.volunteernow.co.uk