Climate change careers returns for a second year

Agent Academy’s innovative Climate Change Careers event is set to return for a second year, as the green economy becomes top priority for North West businesses. The event is part of an exciting partnership with Cheshire College South & West, North West Business Leadership Team, Net Zero North West, North West Route to Net Zero, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cheshire and Warrington LEP.

Spearheaded by the inaugural Climate Change Careers, hosted in November 2021, this year’s event is set to mirror last year’s success in showcasing the opportunities available in the clean growth industry. This year, it’s part of a wider set of events and initiatives being led by the ‘North West Route to Net Zero’ collaboration as part of the legacy of COP26 – the major climate change summit held in Glasgow last November.

Last year saw more than 300 people attend, both in-person and online, who all made pledges to affect climate change positively going forward.

This year’s event, taking place on Thursday 20^th October, will see a variety of special guest speakers, including business leaders from the likes of Unilever, United Utilities CGI and Peel L&P, and young talent already working in industry, who will share insight into the progress being made towards a greener future and how young people can seize the opportunities this brings.

Hosted by young people at the impressive Cheshire College South & West Ellesmere Port campus, the fast-paced content will inspire attendees to progress towards a future career that will make a difference to the planet.

The event comes in response to businesses looking for talent to fulfil their net zero plans, and young talent wanting to contribute to the climate change agenda. Research suggests that the global transition to a carbon-neutral economy is set to create many job opportunities in the labour market, often referred to as ‘green jobs’. Currently, around just 17% of jobs in the UK are directly or indirectly green. With this on the rise, Climate Change Careers will give young people the chance to learn about, appreciate, and embrace the future possibilities of the green economy.

Zoe Wallace, Director at Agent Academy, said:

“The green economy is more prevalent than ever and what’s clear to us, is that there is a significant need to connect talented young people who are seeking jobs, with the opportunities that are available to them right here in the North West.

“We know that many employers are focusing more and more on putting the green agenda at the top of their priority list, so finding the right people with the right skills is incredibly important, and can often be a challenge.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to evolve this event for the second year, bringing young people and businesses together to lead the movement for change, gain insight into the progress being made towards a greener future and learning about how we can all play a part in making it happen.”

 Councillor Matt Bryan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and the Climate Emergency at Cheshire West and Chester Council, added:

“We’re pleased to be working in partnership alongside Cheshire College South and West and Agent Academy to host this exciting event in Ellesmere Port. The region has a concentration of fantastic low carbon businesses, providing a great opportunity for us to help connect people with roles in this sector.

“Sustainable and inclusive growth is vital to both the current and future economy of the borough, and I can’t wait to see what this event inspires our young people to achieve.”

 The Climate Change Careers event is open to all young people, educators and businesses in the North West. Registration for the event is free via Eventbrite.

Clare Hayward, Chair of Cheshire and Warrington LEP, said:

 “It’s almost a year since the UK was in the international spotlight hosting COP26, there was a real sense of urgency and a recognition that action was required to tackle the climate change crisis. 

“The North West is truly leading the way when it comes to cutting emissions through major low carbon investment projects and a consequence of that innovation and drive to transition to net zero means that there will be thousands of high quality, green jobs available across Cheshire and Warrington and in the North West. 

“We want to ensure that both the younger generations and those looking for new careers are aware of the varied roles and opportunities available and that the industries leading the way know that they will be able to employ people with the right skillsets to take up these roles as we transition to net zero. 

“We are thrilled that the Climate Change Careers event is being staged in Ellesmere Port this year and hope it sparks real enthusiasm about the varied future potential careers. This event is part of the North West’s wider programme to create a lasting legacy from COP26, to ensure we deliver on our commitments so that all our communities will benefit from.”