Southwark College hosted the launch event for the Net Zero Careers Accelerator (NZCA) programme, bringing together industry leaders and professionals to discuss a shared vision for a sustainable, net-zero future.
The Net Zero Careers Accelerator is an inclusive employment programme powered by GoodPeople that aims to support job seekers within the Net Zero economy over the next 2 years, generating over £9 million worth of social value for local communities.
Net zero jobs are for environmental protection purposes. They support sustainable practices, reduce environmental impacts, enhance energy efficiency, minimise waste, and protect ecosystems. Up to 725,000 new roles could be created by 2030 in sectors such as building retrofitting, renewable energy, and electric vehicles.
The NZCA programme aims to accelerate careers in the Net Zero economy by addressing the critical skills gap and helping professionals and organisations navigate the transition to a sustainable future.
The event began with a guided tour of Southwark College’s Green Energy Lab. During the tour, the team shared their future goals for the lab and outlined plans to integrate its use into more courses.
Throughout the event, attendees received a comprehensive overview of the NZCA programme’s goals and outcomes. Keynote speakers shared a panel where they discussed success stories and case studies, highlighting how the programme has already made strides in driving social and climate impact across industries.
A central theme of the event was addressing the Net Zero skills gap—a crucial issue in ensuring that the workforce is prepared for the demands of a decarbonised economy.
Claire Reed, Vice Principal of Skills and Adult Education at Southwark college said:"Southwark College is thrilled to work with GoodPeople and be at the forefront of the Net Zero Careers Accelerator programme, empowering students and professionals to navigate the transition to a sustainable, net-zero future. By addressing the critical skills gap and fostering collaboration across industries, we are helping to build the green workforce of tomorrow and supporting our communities in driving meaningful social and climate impact."
By focusing on upskilling and fostering collaboration across sectors, the Net Zero Careers Accelerator provides a platform for professionals to stay ahead of the curve and play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable futures. Southwark College is proud to be at the forefront of this exciting initiative, supporting students and professionals in their journey to meet the challenges and opportunities of the Net Zero economy.
To learn more about the NZCA programme and how you can get involved, visit this website, netzerocareers.co.uk
