Build a Green Future: 5 high-demand careers in sustainable Construction and Engineering

The construction and engineering industries play a vital role in shaping the world around us, but they also have a significant impact on the environment.

Building and construction accounts for nearly 40% of global emissions, according to the World Green Building Council. As concerns about climate change and sustainability continue to grow, many companies are seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and operate in a more eco-friendly way.

If you're looking for a career where you can make a positive impact while working in a dynamic and growing field, consider one of these 5 high-demand green careers and find out how the Growth Company Education and Skills can help you get there! Whether you’re already in the industry or just starting out.

Solar PV Installer

Over the last three years there’s been a 315% increase in the demand for solar installers, according to new data from hiring platform Indeed, making it one of the most in-demand green careers today.

If you’re a qualified electrician with a level 3 Electrical Installation qualification, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, or equivalent, you can enrol on our Level 3 Award in the Installation of Small Scale Solar Photovoltaic programme. You will gain hands-on experience and will work directly with our purpose-built solar PV roofing system, and develop the essential skills needed to effectively design, install, test, commission, hand over, service and fault-find a solar photovoltaic system.

If you’re interested in finding out more about starting a career in this industry, find out more about our Level 3 Electrical Installation Apprenticeships.

Retrofit Technician

Greater Manchester has ambitious plans to achieve net zero carbon by 2038. In achieving this, plans will create and secure over 256,000 jobs across all sectors in the city region with 90,000 in retrofit alone.

Kickstart your career in this sector by enrolling on our Level 3 Domestic Retrofit programme. The course will give you an understanding of the basic principles of domestic retrofit and recognise, evaluate and make recommendations on introducing energy efficiency measures.

This course takes one week to complete and is available to employed people who live or work in Greater Manchester. Applicants do not need to be working in the Retrofitting industry; however, some basic construction knowledge and experience would be beneficial.

Wind Turbine Technician

The demand for wind turbine technicians in the UK has been steadily increasing in recent years due to the country's push towards renewable energy. As wind power continues to play an important role in the UK's energy mix, the need for skilled technicians who can install, maintain, and repair wind turbines has grown significantly.

If you’re a qualified electrician with a level 3 Electrical Installation qualification, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, or equivalent, you can enrol on our Wind Turbine Instillation programme. You’ll gain hands-on experience working with small-scale wind turbines and an understanding of how to install and commission wind turbines.

If you’re interested in finding out more about starting a career in this industry, find out more about our Level 3 Electrical Installation Apprenticeships.

Electric Vehicle Technician

As more and more people switch to electric or hybrid vehicles to reduce their carbon footprint and save money due to the cost of fuel, the demand for qualified technicians who can maintain them is rising.

If you already have a level 3 qualification in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, HGV or Auto Electrics or you have at least 5 years of experience working in a garage environment, you can enrol on one of our Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance, Repair and Replacement programmes. These qualifications will give you the knowledge and skills to work safely when carrying out maintenance and repair activities on Electric/Hybrid Vehicles.

If you’d like to find out more about how to start a career in this industry, take a look at our Level 2 Autocare Technician programme or our Level 3 Light Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship.

Heat Pump Installer

The UK Government has set an ambitious goal to install 600,000 thousand heat pumps by 2028 and currently there is a shortage of qualified heat pump engineers to meet this goal.

If you are a qualified plumber, you can enrol on our Level 3 Air Source Heat Pump Installation programme to upskill and gain an understanding of heat pump technology and heating system design, develop the skills to install air source heat pumps safely and learn how to maintain them.

If you’re interested in starting a career in this industry, take a look at our Level 2 Plumbing Apprenticeship.

From renewable energy to sustainable building, there are many ways to work with innovative technologies and contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether you are an engineer, a builder, or a specialist in a particular area of green technology, there is a career path that will help you to make a positive impact.

At the Growth Company Education and Skills, we offer a variety of courses that will support you to achieve your career goals. Courses are delivered at our brand-new Green Skills Academy in Trafford Park. The Academy is home to the latest green technology equipment allowing businesses and individuals to gain the knowledge and skills which will place Greater Manchester at the forefront of emerging technologies.

Find out more about how we can help you on your journey to a successful and rewarding career in green technology. Visit the dedicated website for Green Skills Academy or email the team to find out more greenskillsacademy@growthco.uk