Supporting Young People To Start A Career In The Green Economy
Background
The Green Jobs Pathfinder programme is a partnership between Groundwork and Impax Asset Management developed to support young people aged 18-25 to get started in a career in growing areas of the green economy such as retrofit, electric vehicles or renewables through provision of salaried work placements. The programme also supports employers with bringing in new talent to their business to help bridge the green skills gap.
What is the Green Skills Gap?
Meeting Greater Manchester’s 2038 net zero target will require significant changes across many areas of the local economy, which will only be achieved if the workforce have the right skills and competencies needed within this growing green economy.
The young people are carrying out their work placements with local businesses in Greater Manchester who are teaching them green skills through practical training. This benefits the businesses as they don’t have to hire additional third party employees to complete their work.
Watch below to find out how our trainees have helped business at EDGE EPC.
We’ve had 4 young people on work placements with EDGE EPC who have been learning how to retrofit homes to make them more energy efficient. They have been on site at homes in South Manchester learning all the essential skills to carry out retrofit work, including fitting interior and exterior wall insulation and loft insulation.
The participants we’ve had come through have been above what we expected in terms of quality and attitude.
Gaining New Skills
Before joining the programme, Keenan struggled to find work because, although he was a skilled bricklayer, he didn’t have a CSCS card to be able to work on construction sites. He attended a variety of training sessions at Groundwork to get his CSCS card, and also received certifications in Health & Safety, Manual Handling and Carbon Literacy. He has since been working at EDGE EPC learning how to retrofit homes.
Watch below to find out how Keenan is enjoying his work placement.
From Care Leaver to Retrofit Installer
Jenson, a young care leaver, was referred to the Green Jobs Pathfinder project in July 2024. Having recently completed his Level 2 qualification in plumbing, he was passionate about pursuing a career in the field. However, due to his young age and limited experience, finding employment proved challenging.
Keen to explore new pathways, Jenson expressed interest in our green sector placements. Following a successful interview, he was offered a placement and seconded to EDGE EPC as an Assistant Retrofit Installer, working across Greater Manchester.
Working in a Male Dominated Industry
Before joining the programme, Amy was attending a Level 2 Electrical Installation course at college. Intrigued by understanding how things work, Amy decided she wanted to pursue a career in electrics and gain some work experience.
She started a work placement with EDGE EPC, where she has been learning all about electrical installation, retrofit, structural work, bricklaying and safety protocols. Amy feels this has helped her expand her skills for her CV, and has boosted her confidence as a woman working in a male dominated industry.
Groundwork has played a crucial role in shaping my skills and knowledge.
What support are we providing?
Alongside their work placements, participants on the programme will be working with Groundwork’s Green Skills Tutor to gain relevant qualifications in Health & Safety, Customer Service and Carbon Literacy to boost their skills and environmental knowledge. Groundwork will also be providing individual support through coaching and mentoring to ensure each participant is thriving in their role and feels confident about their employment goals going forward.
Are you an employer looking to get involved?
This project has been made possible thanks to support from Impax Asset Management, who support not only the training and in-work coaching but also subsidise wages for the project employment partners.
