A growing number of young people in the UK are rethinking the traditional path of going straight from school to university. Instead, many are setting their sights on careers in the green economy—driven both by passion for the environment and by the promise of good jobs in a fast-growing sector.
A recent Savanta survey of 2,000 school leavers (aged 16–18) revealed that around one in three do not plan to attend university. Instead, they’re considering apprenticeships, training programmes, or jumping straight into work. Among those, 19% said they’d prefer apprenticeships or degree apprenticeships, while 15% wanted to enter the workforce right away.
Why skip university?
The motivations are revealing. For many, it’s not about avoiding study—it’s about wanting to make an impact now. The survey found that:
- 44% said they wanted to pursue a green career out of pride, to be part of building a sustainable future.
- 39% were motivated by the chance to make a positive impact on the environment.
- 34% highlighted the sector’s strong earning potential as a major draw.
This shift comes at a time when the UK’s net-zero economy grew by 10% in 2024, contributing £83 billion in gross value added. Average salaries in green industries were around £43,100, well above the national average—making them appealing not just ethically, but financially too.
Where are young people looking?
When asked which sectors interest them the most, school leavers pointed to:
- Renewable energy (such as solar, wind, and battery technologies)
- Sustainable construction and design
- Environmental conservation
These are areas where skills shortages already exist, so young people entering them now are likely to find strong demand for their expertise.
A generational shift
There’s also evidence of a values-driven change. Other recent research has shown that more than half of young people would actively avoid working for companies whose sustainability record doesn’t align with their own beliefs. For this generation, a career isn’t just about pay—it’s about purpose.
What this means for employers
Employers hoping to attract tomorrow’s workforce should take note: green jobs are no longer a niche interest. They’re fast becoming the default aspiration for a significant share of young people. Offering apprenticeships, training routes, and clear sustainability commitments could be the difference between winning the war for talent—or being left behind.