Mayor of West Yorkshire launches Green Jobs Taskforce

The Green Jobs Taskforce is bringing together experts from across West Yorkshire to review the landscape for green jobs and determine how to deliver the skills needed to address the climate emergency.

The Taskforce met this week, discussing key themes for the next twelve months, including the development of the Mayoral Green Jobs Gateway, which is expected to create 1,000 well paid, skilled green jobs for young people and ensure the region has the talent needed to reach its target of becoming a net zero economy by 2038.

Estimates show that West Yorkshire has the potential to create over 70,000 good, new, high skilled jobs in the green economy by the middle of the century, and 40,000 of them by 2030.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: ‘Today was a step forward to achieving our ambition of becoming a net zero carbon economy. 

‘The West Yorkshire Green Jobs Taskforce, a group of professionals with great influence and direction, have today agreed on the next steps needed to improve our green economy and deliver on my pledge of creating 1,000 well paid, skilled, green jobs for young people. 

‘This is a cause that I am passionate about. It’s crucial we act now and get this right for the people and businesses of West Yorkshire, and the future generations in terms of quality of life, health and employment.’

The taskforce brings together respected professionals with a range of experience and knowledge, including the Mayor, CEO of Leeds College of Building Derek Whitehead, Chief Executive of Leeds Federated Housing Association Matthew Walker, and Vice Chair of Yorkshire Food, Farming & Rural Network Jan Thornton.

Derek Whitehead, Principal and CEO of Leeds College of Building, commented: ‘Leeds College of Building is the only GFEC (General Further Education College) specialising in Construction and the Built Environment nationally, and a great asset based in Leeds, to support developments and skills and training needs of students and employers in Green Jobs and the wider West Yorkshire Zero Carbon needs. 

‘The work of the Taskforce is important to stimulate debate, supporting policy, joined up thinking, meeting West Yorkshire’s needs and ensuring action is taken to develop the talent pool for employers to make a real impact in the Green Economy.’

Photo by Vitor Monthay