West Yorkshire businesses agree to create 1,000 new green jobs

The announcement was made as negotiations take place at COP27 in Egypt, with the milestone boosting West Yorkshire Combined Authority as it strives to fulfil its aim of becoming net-zero by 2038.

The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, pledged to create 1,000 well-paid green jobs when she was campaigning for the role last year.

The news comes as this week marks Green Careers Week, highlighting the opportunities available for those interested working in sustainability.

Tracy Brabin 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.’

Resources are available to help people learn more about green careers on the Combined Authority’s FutureGoals website, with links to free training and local careers services.

This was developed in partnership with the government’s Green Jobs Taskforce which combines expertise from business, education and the third and public sectors.

New member Phil Holdgate, Head of Production Sustainability at ITV Studios, believes the creative industry can help to put West Yorkshire on the path to net-zero.

He said: ‘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.’

There are concerns not enough people are currently trained up in green skills to facilitate the transition to net-zero, as data shows we will soon be short of 400,000 retrofit professional to decarbonise the UK’s housing.

Photo by Zoe Schaeffer