Exploring green careers during National Careers Week
National Careers Week(External link) takes place between 3 – 8 March 2025 and provides an opportunity to explore the growing career paths within the green sector. With a national commitment by the Government to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the demand for skilled professionals in sustainable industries is rapidly increasing. In west Cheshire, local initiatives and educational organisations are at the forefront of this green revolution, offering a range of opportunities for those eager to get involved in this exciting sector and play their part to help the area achieve its net zero goals and support the reindustrialisation of the North.
Playing your part to help deliver the borough’s Climate Emergency Response Plan
In 2019, Cheshire West and Chester Council unanimously declared a climate emergency and worked with a range of partners, climate experts, community groups and businesses to understand the challenges and opportunities this could bring to the area. The Climate Emergency Response Plan for the borough outlines a comprehensive strategy to become a net-zero borough by 2045. This ambitious plan emphasises the necessity for a local workforce skilled in green technologies and sustainable practices.
ORIGIN(External link), located in the Ellesmere Port area of the borough, is one of the most important industrial and employment clusters in the UK, supporting 1,300 businesses and creating employment for 24,100 people. ORIGIN is at the forefront of advanced plans to respond to the Climate Emergency through several transformational projects with many job opportunities for local people. of nearly £500 million building a new production plant in Ellesmere Port.
More details about the plan can be found on our website: www.westcheshireclimateplan.co.uk/(External link)
Regional Skills Pilot in Cheshire West and Chester
In January 2025, Cheshire West and Chester has been selected as one of four regions to launch the Government's Regional Skills Pilot. This initiative aims to support workers transitioning from carbon-intensive industries to the growing clean energy sector. The pilot includes the development of an Energy Skills Passport portal, enabling workers to identify necessary qualifications for specific roles, thereby facilitating a smoother transition into renewable energy careers. Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington is delivering the pilot project locally, working in partnership with the North West Net Zero Hub, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Net Zero North West.
Find out more information about the project
Educational pathways in green industries
Several local organisations offer a range of courses designed to provide students with the skills required in the green sector.
Cheshire College – South & West(External link): At the Ellesmere Port campus, the college has invested £680,000 in an on-site sustainable house. This facility provides students with hands-on experience in sustainable construction and renewable energy technologies, addressing the skills gap in eco-friendly building practices.
Watch a video about the on-site sustainable home and the training offered there.(External link)
Reaseheath College:(External link) Known for its land-based courses, Reaseheath offers programs in Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Conservation, and Horticulture, among others. These courses blend theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for careers in a range of areas including, environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management.
TTE Technical Training Group(External link): Specialising in technical training, TTE provides industry-focused programmes and apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing. Their courses are tailored to meet the evolving demands of the green sector, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for roles in sustainable industries.
The University of Chester:(External link) Many of the courses on offer at our local university include a focus on sustainability. Students and staff at the university have been involved in industrial decarbonisation research (Chester Business School(External link)), conservation of endangered species (School of Natural Sciences(External link)), and advanced and sustainable engineering covering renewable energy (School of Computer and Engineering Sciences(External link)).
Read about the University's recent research day which focused on sustainability.
Career opportunities with HyNet
HyNet North West(External link) is a pioneering project aimed at transforming the region's energy landscape by producing, transporting, and storing low-carbon hydrogen, as well as capturing carbon dioxide emissions. By 2035, HyNet is projected to generate around 75,000 jobs across the UK, spanning construction, engineering, project management, and more. This provides a great opportunity for local people to be part of a world-leading project using cutting-edge technology to combat climate change
Keep up-to-date with job opportunities at Hynet.(External link)
Embracing a green career
As industries are adapting their businesses to meet evolving environmental and social standards, professionals with expertise in sustainability are increasingly in demand. This is an exciting time to get involved in these sustainable and green roles. By doing so you could play your part in helping the borough to reach its net zero goal.
Share your story into a green career
If you are involved in an organisation that offers training, apprenticeships or roles in the sustainable or green sector and would like to share any success stories, you can add your story to the ‘your story’ section of the Climate Emergency Inspire Hub.
Other resources
National Careers Service - Explore Green Careers(External link)
