University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom

Green Skills for Jobs and Entrepreneurship

Green Skills is a unique and transformational programme that provides access to jobs, training, and business opportunities to Black, Asian and minoritized young people (aged 18-28) and recent graduates living in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath, and North East Somerset to address the inequalities in the sustainability sector.

This is a two-stage pilot project launched in response to the need for economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic and the demand for 50,000 new jobs to be created in the region by 2030 to meet zero-carbon targets.

The key objectives of the Green Skills programme are to support the West of England’s transition to a green economy, close the skills gap between job opportunities and young people and tackle the underrepresentation of people from minoritized backgrounds in environmental careers.

What the Judges Thought

A really innovative project bringing together an identified skills gap, employment, support and development opportunities for under-represented groups to deliver a net zero challenge. 

What it Means to Win

"Sustainability is at the heart of Transforming Futures, UWE’s Strategy 2030. Winning this Green Gown Award is welcome recognition for the many actions of students and staff that are helping to make UWE Bristol a more sustainable university.”

Professor Steve West, Vice Chancellor, President and CEO

Top 3 Learnings

1. We identified a community who were eager to access green skills training.
2. We used business partners from the community, making learning relatable and equitable.
3. We designed the programme to be accessible, inclusive, and put diversity at its heart.