West Yorkshire businesses pledge 1,000 green jobs in key Net Zero milestone

7 November 2022

The Mayor pledged to create 1,000 well-paid, new green jobs as one of her commitments to the people of West Yorkshire.

The milestone was announced as Green Careers Week started today (Monday November 7th), aimed at highlighting opportunities for people to get involved in careers that can help change the world and tackle the climate emergency.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is working towards having a pipeline of talent needed to achieve the region’s ambitious target of becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“Tackling the climate emergency will require each and every one of us to play our part and it’s vital that our workforce has the right skills to help deliver this and take advantage of the opportunities ahead.

“I’m delighted that employers in our region have come forward and committed to creating 1,000 new jobs in the green sector.

“I’m determined to do all that I can to help people and businesses lead the way with Net Zero and help make our region a trailblazer when it comes to green jobs and skills.”

To help people learn what a green job is and the options available, the Combined Authority has launched resources on its FutureGoals website - futuregoals.co.uk/green-jobs-careers

This has been developed in partnership with the Green Jobs Taskforce, which brings together experts from business, education, and training, and the third and public sectors.

FutureGoals aim is to position West Yorkshire as a leader for green skills and jobs and set out how to deliver the skills and jobs needed to address the climate emergency.

The Taskforce recently welcomed a new member, Phil Holdgate, the Head of Production Sustainability at ITV Studios.

He said: “With our long history of TV Production in the region, I am proud to be representing ITV Studios at the Green Jobs Taskforce, and to provide a voice for the creative and culture sectors.

“It is important to have a diverse range of perspectives and experiences in this conversion will ensure a robust, yet fair transition aligned with achieving our collective net zero goals.

“The creative industry can help communicate, amplify and accelerate West Yorkshire to a brighter tomorrow, where every job can become a green job both directly as employers, and via our local supply chains.”

For more information about green skills, green careers and how you can get involved, visit our FutureGoals website