Green skills gap limits UK youth access to growing green jobs

A report from Capgemini and UNICEF has found that young people in the UK are more confident than their global peers about their green skills, but there remains a significant gap between the demand for green jobs and the supply of skilled workers.

According to data from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the net zero sector in the UK is expanding at a rate three times greater than the overall UK economy, yet there is an estimated shortfall of 200,000 skilled workers in this field. This figure represents half the number of green jobs needed to support the green economy's continued growth.

The Capgemini Research Institute and UNICEF Generation Unlimited report titled 'Youth perspectives on climate: Preparing for a sustainable future' surveyed 5,100 young people globally aged 16 to 24, including respondents from the UK. The findings reveal that 66% of young people in the UK believe they have suitable green skills for today's workforce, compared to only 44% globally. Interest in green jobs is similarly strong among UK Gen Z respondents, 66% of whom expressed interest in pursuing such careers.

However, there is a disconnect between skills confidence and awareness of opportunities. Only 45% of UK youth believe that developing green skills will lead to new opportunities, a figure that is significantly below the global average of 61%.

Regarding which skills young people lack most, the report highlights that UK Gen Z feel least proficient in sustainable design (25%), environmental policies (42%), and data analysis (45%). These gaps in specific areas of green skills could pose challenges for young people seeking to access jobs in the sector.

On attitudes towards climate change, the report states that more than two-thirds of young people globally are concerned about how climate change could affect their future. Youth in the Global North reported higher levels of climate-related anxiety (76%) than those in the Global South (65%). Additionally, a rural-urban divide was evident, with 72% of youth in urban and suburban areas expressing concern about climate change's impact on their future, compared to 58% in rural regions.

Despite growing climate anxiety, the majority of youths remain hopeful and believe in the importance of developing green skills for career opportunities. Globally, 61% agreed that green skills could open up new employment options. Over half (53%) of global respondents and almost two-thirds (64%) in the Global North are interested in working in green jobs.

The report includes calls from leaders to support and invest in young people's development of green skills.

"Young people across the globe, and in particular in the US, are hyperaware of the urgent challenges posed by climate change. It's clear that they are also eager to be part of the solution. We need to help young people turn their passion into impact by investing in green skills. This report shows how critical it is that business, governments, and education leaders work together to bridge the skills gap, empower youth voices, and create pathways to meaningful green careers," Sarika Naik, Group Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Capgemini, said.

"Young people are architecting climate solutions. They are designing and deploying innovative solutions that respond to the climate realities their communities are facing. Green Rising, with its ecosystem of public and private sector partners, is supporting young people with the skills and opportunities they need to take climate action, start green companies, access green jobs and power green solutions," Dr. Kevin Frey, CEO, Generation Unlimited at UNICEF, added.

The report outlines that 71% of youth globally feel they should have a strong influence over environmental policy and legislation, but there remains a gap between youth engagement and perception. While the majority of young people wish to engage with local leaders on climate action, under half believe their voices are actually heard by these leaders. In the UK, 75% of young people said they would like to talk with community leaders about environmental action, but only 57% feel their opinions are listened to.

The research recommends integrating green education, expanding access to training, and aligning climate goals with youth employment strategies. Policymakers are urged to embed these components into future planning. Corporate leaders are encouraged to co-create green job pathways, support youth-led initiatives, and involve young people in sustainability and corporate social responsibility strategies to build trust and promote sustainable innovation.

Initiatives such as Green Rising, led by Generation Unlimited at UNICEF and supported by Capgemini and other partners, are aiming to support 20 million young people globally by 2026 through grassroots action, volunteerism, advocacy, paid work, and entrepreneurship opportunities related to the green economy.

The findings highlight both the enthusiasm and challenges faced by young people within the green economy and outline the steps needed from public and private sectors to help close the skills gap.