Young people are being encouraged to consider green jobs as part of a major campaign launched today by Careers Scotland, part of the new Skills Development Scotland organisation.

The Path is Green (tp:g) initiative aims to highlight how the expected growth of the renewables sector in Scotland, as highlighted by the Scottish Government, has brought with it a wealth of job opportunities, many of them in areas which were virtually non-existent a decade ago.

The campaign was launched today (Monday, May 12) by Heather Reid, the well-known BBC Scotland weather presenter, who urged young people to consider green jobs as a way of enjoying an exciting long-term career which can make a difference to the environment.

At present, there are around 80,000 green jobs in Scotland and this is expected to increase by 50,000 over the next 10 to 15 years in industries such as recycling, conservation and renewable energy.

Careers Scotland, part of the new Skills Development Scotland organisation, is keen to highlight this increased requirement for staff and to ensure there are enough skilled people to meet the demand.

The tp:g campaign will involve an innovative combination of online advertising on social networking sites, an ezine, online quiz, a viral game, and a high profile national competition for schools and colleges to highlight the various jobs available to young people and let them know what skills and qualifications are required.

Danny Logue, Director of Careers Scotland, explained: “The Path is Green will highlight the range of green jobs which will be increasingly available in Scotland in years to come and renewables is a significant part of this.

“Young people entering the renewables sector can expect a long-term career and will be playing a part in making a difference to the future of Scotland.
“By raising awareness of these jobs and encouraging young people to consider them, we are aiming to ensure that the hundreds of Scottish companies involved in renewable energy have access to a suitably skilled workforce.”

With a growing focus around the world on renewable energy, and the Scottish Government aiming to generate 50% of Scotland’s electricity from renewables by 2020, the sector offers significant opportunities for Scottish businesses and employees.

Examples of jobs available include engineers, plumbers, wind turbine technicians, boiler maintenance technicians, electricians, welders, wind analysts and solar panel and heat pump installers.

Launching the campaign outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Heather Reid, said: “This campaign is a fantastic fresh approach to highlighting to young people the huge diversity of green jobs which exist out there and which are expected to grow in future years.

“Many people may associate green jobs with working on wind farms but it also includes many other professions such as working as a forest ranger, electrician or ecological surveyor.”

Heather, who regularly contributes to promoting science education to young people, added: “I’m keen in particular to encourage young people, teachers, and lecturers to get involved in the competition for schools and colleges which is a fun way of finding out more about the challenging and exciting careers opportunities which are available.”

Ros Hart, a young engineer working in wave power, one of the newest industries in Scotland, also gave her support to the t:pg campaign. The 25-year-old works as a mechanical engineer with Edinburgh-based Pelamis Wave Power Ltd, a company which uses a unique system to generate renewable electricity from ocean waves.

She said: “Wave power is a brand new area of engineering and every day there are new problems to solve. 

“It’s good to be involved in something that is making a difference and changing the world for the better. In my job, I’ve also been lucky enough to work in other countries and with lots of great people.”

Enterprise and Energy Minister Jim Mather said: “The global challenge to tackle climate change brings many opportunities for rewarding careers.

“Our huge renewables potential means Scotland will be at the forefront of the green energy revolution, bringing tremendous opportunities for people to work in this high profile industry.  Working in renewables will not only give you an exciting and varied career, you’ll be helping our economic recovery and helping to save the planet.”

For more information about careers in renewable energy and other green jobs, please visit www.thepathisgreen.co.uk