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Phoenix Insights have published their latest report ‘Resourcing the net zero transition: What do workers in their mid- and late-careers think of ‘green’ jobs?’ This report examines the perceptions of the existing workforce towards career switching into roles in a net zero economy.
Delivering net zero is not only a technological challenge, but a human one. While the net zero transition offers clear avenues for economic growth through job creation, skills gaps are a critical challenge hindering delivery of projects. When considering the rate and scale of the climate crisis, with 2023 being the hottest year on record, it’s clear that a significant effort to address the skills challenge is urgently needed to ensure the UK stays on track with its key climate commitments.
The Climate Change Committee estimated in 2023 that the net zero transition could create anywhere between 135,000 and 725,000 net new jobs by 2030 alone. However, the role of mid- to late-career workers in the transition has been conspicuously absent in policy discussions and research. The focus has tended to be on schooling and the apprenticeship system rather than retraining and career transitioning. For near-term vacancies to be filled, attention will also need to be paid to mid- to late-career workers who can transition into new roles that contribute to the UK’s emission reduction targets. Indeed, with many mid- to late-career workers having valuable transferable skills, we believe they could be great candidates to fill the green skills gap if given the right opportunities and support.
It’s important for us to understand the views and opinions of mid- and late-career workers to provide recommendations for how government and employers can encourage wider career switching, offer more secure work, and unlock the benefits associated with working for longer.
With this in mind, we commissioned research consultancy Public First to conduct focus groups testing the following:
Summary of findings
Our focus groups found that mid-to late-career workers:
Recommendations for policymakers, employers and industry associations:
The UK Industrial Strategy Council and the Office for Clean Energy Jobs should investigate the role of mid- to late-career workers for achieving growth and decarbonisation goals. Greater insights are needed not only on the number, requirements and locations of vacancies, but also the profiles of existing workers who could be encouraged to transition into these roles.
Further clarity is required on the transferable skills and qualifications that can be applied in green jobs, and case studies of mid- to late-career workers who have successfully completed such career shifts should be amplified.
Meanwhile, employers seeking to tackle age bias in their recruitment processes should emphasise requirements and pay rather than environmental purpose when promoting green jobs. Job adverts should be clear about what tasks are done in the role, as well as what skills and qualifications are needed to be successful in it.
