THE Essex Green Skills Pledge is the first of its kind, inviting organisations to commit to delivering green skills for a net-zero Essex.

Launched at the inaugural Essex Green Skills Summit in June, the pledge asks organisations to commit to up to eight actions. These could include:

• publishing an Action Plan
• incentivising employees to engage in green skills
• engaging in cross-sector collaboration to overcome green skills challenges

The pledge is flexible, with organisations able to commit to as many or as few actions as they feel able to.

Organisations that sign the pledge will receive an exclusive resource pack. This contains guidance and resources to help them complete their pledge actions. It also includes marketing material to promote their involvement in the programme.

The pledge invites all Greater Essex employers, education institutions and training providers to sign. 

Organisations such as North Falls Offshore Wind Farm, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) have already signed. They are being supported to reach their objectives.

To deliver the skills and workforce needed for a greener future, Essex County Council, working with partners, is seeking a devolution deal. This will help unlock new funding opportunities and create an integrated, joined-up skills system which meets the needs of businesses while protecting the local environment. 

Cllr Tony Ball, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “Essex is predicted to be home to nearly 6,000 green jobs by 2030. Not only will we continue to need engineers, construction workers, agricultural experts and manufactures, but we expect almost every job to have a ‘green’ angle.

“The Essex Green Skills Pledge commits local businesses and training providers to creating a future workforce that’s ready to embrace these opportunities. We look forward to supporting them with resources and tailored guidance to help them deliver skills for a greener economy.”

Find out more and sign the Essex Green Skills Pledge today.