Green careers are growing across west Cheshire
As the UK continues its transition to a greener future, opportunities for rewarding and meaningful careers in sustainability, conservation, clean energy and the circular economy are growing across west Cheshire.
Green Careers Week, taking place from 2 to 6 November 2026, is an opportunity to showcase the wide range of pathways available to people of all ages and backgrounds who want to play a part in helping build sustainable communities and protecting the environment.
Employment opportunities in low-carbon energy
Across the region, businesses, schools, colleges and organisations are helping to inspire the next generation of green professionals. One of the major drivers of green employment opportunities is HyNet North West, the low-carbon energy project that is helping to develop skills for the emerging hydrogen and carbon capture sectors. HyNet has produced its Capture Your Potential careers guide and regularly works with schools and careers events to introduce young people to future opportunities in the low-carbon economy. Its partnership with Xplore!, based in Wrexham, also helps engage and inspire young people from Cheshire West to consider careers in science, technology and sustainability.
Recently, Chester-based training provider, TWA Certifications Ltd, also known as The Welding Academy, has joined the North West Hydrogen Alliance to help prepare the region’s workforce for clean-energy roles in the hydrogen sector. The move comes as forecasts suggest demand for welding trades in clean energy could more than triple by 2030.
Training and learning opportunities through local providers
Education providers are also playing an important role. Cheshire College South and West has developed a range of initiatives that help students gain practical green skills. These include a partnership with Chester Zoo, where students can build confidence and conservation expertise through real-world projects. The college has also received national recognition for its award-winning Sustainable House Project, which gives students hands-on experience of sustainable construction techniques. In addition, its green apprenticeship programmes are helping learners develop the skills needed for careers in renewable energy, construction, environmental management and other growing sectors.
Chester Zoo has recently announced the launch of its Green Horizons Programme, which will launch in 2027 and aims to reach 9,000 pupils over three years, inspiring the next generation of scientists and conservationists.
Catch-22 encourages people into roles for green energy transition, this can include hydro, solar, EV charging, retrofitting, wind turbines – anywhere there is a green alternative. Participants undertake 4 weeks of generic employability training to learn skills and find out more about the well known and ‘hidden’ jobs in the industry. This is either in person every weekday from 10am – 2pm. (If you can’t be there or miss any, you can be sent a pre-recorded version). New co-horts start every month, usually on the first week of every month. Catch-22 could also pay for training courses, interview clothes, personal protective equipment, bikes to get to work and other items to prepare for work. For more information in Cheshire West
Events such as Green Expo Youth Conference continue to inspire young people by connecting them with employers, educators and industry experts through dedicated youth-focused activities and career opportunities.
This November the Council’s Energy and Sustainability team will also be taking part in the Cheshire Schools Sustainability Conference at Abbeygate College and hosting workshops with for both primary aged pupils and secondary and college pupils attending Storyhouse Futures event.
Skills and employment support for residents
The Council is also helping local residents access green jobs. The Council's Skills and Employment Team have helped eight customers, accessing adult learning and employment support through the Council's Hub network, successfully secure jobs with Cheshire West Recycling.
Earlier this year a local resident joined the Pathway to Retrofit Excellence programme, delivered by Quack Recruitment and Training, to develop new skills, gain recognised qualifications and explore career opportunities in the growing retrofit and sustainable construction sector.
During the course, they successfully achieved qualifications in both retrofit principles and assessment practices, building valuable knowledge of energy-efficient home improvements and sustainability within construction.
The programme also helped strengthen key employability skills, including communication, confidence and workplace readiness. As a result, the learner secured employment with a local construction company following an interview arranged through the programme.
Reflecting on their experience, the participant said:
"The course has helped me progress towards employment and further training. I now have a job opportunity and feel more confident about my future career."
Explore opportunities
If you are interested in finding out more about training opportunities or roles that are contributing to protect nature and support the area transition to a more sustainable future you can find more information below:
Skills and Employment Hub
Quack Recruitment & Training
The Welding Academy
Cheshire College South and West
Green Expo Youth Conference
Chester Zoo Youth Network
Storyhouse Futures
