More needs to be done to encourage young people towards a career in the waste and resource management sector to plug the green skills gap, according to new report.
70% of the 16-24 year old respondents surveyed had never received any careers advice on the skills required or roles available in the waste and resources management sector.
Community charity Groundwork and the Environmental Services and Solutions (ESS) Expo’s report Planning for the future: Recruiting diverse talent into waste and resources management explored attitudes to careers in the environmental sector among over 500 16-24 year olds.
The survey also found that around half of survey respondents cited a lack of information as a career barrier.
While 84% had not even considered a career in the sector, citing insufficient salary, benefits and job instability as the other main barriers to entry.
Among the 16 and 17-year-olds surveyed, 62% believed that the work is unappealing and “dirty”, while 42% stated that a lack of role models in the sector put them off.
However, despite so many young people admitting to not considering a career in the sector, 47% reported that having a job that helps the UK reach carbon neutrality was important to them.
We need a mix of better careers guidance in schools, action to inspire young people about the opportunities on offer.
49% of respondents in the 18-24 age group considered it important compared to 17% of those aged 16 and 17 (28%).
A perceived and actual lack of diversity is also a considerable barrier to entry for those from minority ethnic groups. Of the 150,000 people currently employed in the sector in the UK, 97% are white, compared with a national average of 47%.
According to the report, 32% of black respondents and 29% of Chinese respondents stated that greater diversity in the waste and resources management sector would encourage them to enter.
Garry Campbell, Head of Policy & Communications at Groundwork UK, commented: “If the UK is to meet its carbon targets, it will require a new and diverse workforce, yet, sadly, our 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.”
