Green jobs for the future – 125 paid placements on offer for Mancunians

Residents of Manchester who are currently looking for work or support with their next steps into employment are being offered an opportunity to gain experience in one of the region’s fastest growing industries.

Housing and community services provider One Manchester, with backing from the Government’s Community Renewal Fund and the involvement of more than 100 local employers and partner organisations, is providing paid placements for people living across the city.  Placements are with some of the city’s most recognisable brands, such as Talk Talk, Suez and One Manchester, and will provide skills, training and experience in the green sector.

Greater Manchester has set an ambitious target to reach net zero carbon by 2038 – twelve years ahead of the UK’s goal to become a carbon neutral nation by 2050.

To help prepare for the transformation that is coming, One Manchester is offering up to 125 fully paid placements for Mancunians to experience working within green related roles and organisations while earning the real living wage of £9.90.

The placements on offer are between 15 to 21 hours per week, with flexible working patterns and the possibility of weekend work available.  They offer a broad range of disciplines and include manual roles in construction and environmental management such as warehouse and recycling operatives, retrofitting buildings (with repairs and maintenance), and working with electric vehicles.

There are also a number of office-based positions including emissions analysts, energy advice and environmental project support officers, and social media content assistants.

Nicole Kershaw, CEO, One Manchester, said: “Our green skills programme is a fantastic opportunity for Manchester’s residents to get paid experience and supplementary training in a sector that is creating the jobs of the future.”

“Not only will participants receive on-the-job training, payment and ongoing guidance throughout their placements, they will play a key role in the much-needed transition to a clean, green economy.”

“The scale of this challenge for Greater Manchester and the rest of the UK shouldn’t be understated. For net zero carbon to become a reality for everyone, action has to be taken right now. This scheme is a great way to begin making a difference and it could lead to much longer-term prospects and employment for those who are eligible to participate.”

To apply, candidates should live in a Manchester City Council local authority postcode and identify within one of the five priority groups:

• Young people who are not currently in education, employment or training.
• Lone parents
• People with disabilities
• People from underrepresented minority communities
• Over 50s

Full training will be provided for all participants with support from an employability coach and free travel passes for work travel, as well as support with IT provisions and childcare for those who need it.

Key partners working alongside One Manchester to provide these opportunities include Groundwork, Yes Manchester, The Blair Project, B4Box, Carbon Co-op, EMERGE 3Rs, and The Big Life Group, Talk Talk, Suez. The programme is also aided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

To find out more and to complete an expression of interest, go to: www.onemanchester.co.uk/green or alternatively call 0330 355 1000 for more information.  Opportunities to take part in the programme are time limited so candidates and employers should make contact as soon as possible.