Mayor of London launches initiative to get students into green careers

The Climate Kick-Start programme will target secondary school pupils in the UK capital.

London’s City Hall has announced the launch of a new initiative which will focus on inspiring young people to pursue green careers, with the scheme supported by Bloomberg L.P. and Let’s Go Zero 2023. 

Climate Kick-Start was launched by Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, on Wednesday 6th July, and takes the form of a city-wide programme introducing students to career opportunities linked to the climate crisis, renewable energy, home energy efficiency, green finance and electric transport sectors.

A week of career-based activities will take place between 7th and 11th November, coinciding with COP27 in Egypt. Four green career events will take place in the city, with drop-ins at schools for students unable to travel. It is hoped that thousands will get a better insight into the range of green jobs available. Five individual schools will receive £10,000 each to help launch or accelerate environmental action and provide students with hands-on experience designing and implementing environmental solutions.

In addition, a ‘green careers’ toolkit will be created for all secondary schools in London, containing advice and tips relating to green jobs. Information will also be available on which subjects to study for which roles, and how these can help safeguard the environment. Last year, the programme welcomed 66,000 students, almost 40% coming from lower income backgrounds, with 65% Black, Asian and minority representation. 

‘I am thrilled to announce the return of our Climate Kick-Start programme. These activities will empower young Londoners to tackle the dangers of the climate emergency, air pollution and the loss of wildlife,’ said Mr. Khan. ‘Green jobs and skills are integral to help tackle inequality by providing better paid work, as well as providing the vital skills needed to tackle the climate crisis. I hope that through this programme, young Londoners can see how important these jobs are and choose green careers in the future.’

Last month, the Mayor of London unveiled plans to fully decarbonise the London Underground by switching to entirely renewable power. 

Image credit: Goumbik