CIWM meets with Mary Creagh about ‘green skills’

The meeting came in response to the creation of the government’s Skills England taskforce last month which looks at preparing the next generation to “meet the needs of the next decade”.  

In a new position paper, CIWM advocated for green skills development beyond the energy sector, which it says will create “a comprehensive skills pipeline essential for supporting a robust green economy”. 

The paper has the support of 28 organisations including the Environmental Services Association (ESA), FCC Environment and Suez recycling and recovery UK.  

It sets out “three areas of change”:  

1. Diversifying the current apprenticeship levy to create a green skills fund – This would be a ring-fenced fund that would act as a catalyst for transitioning to a more circular economy, allowing flexible use for approved qualifications, training, career advice, and regional excellence hubs to ensure the development of the right technical skills and innovation for complex change. 
2. Developing a UK green skills roadmap – CIWM said that a green skills roadmap is “essential” for UK industry, detailing the skills needed to close the current job gap in the short and medium term. The roadmap would provide clarity for professional bodies, training and education institutions, and businesses, enabling them to invest in developing courses, workforce, and infrastructure to meet future demands. 
3. Investment in career attractiveness – Lastly, CIWM has called on the government to stimulate the development of skills alongside complementary infrastructure, policy, and behavioural changes. It said that specific investment in training and retraining programmes for green skills must be integrated into policy, along with enhanced career support and promotion within the education system. 

Endorsing the Circular Economy Taskforce 

In September, Labour recommitted to the circular economy promises made in its manifesto pre-election.  

In an effort to deliver on these promises, the government said it will set up a Circular Economy Taskforce to create a Circular Economy Strategy.  

CIWM has welcomed the establishment of the taskforce and has called for it to take the lead on the skills planning for the circular economy. 

In addition, the institution has pledged the resources of its Skills for the Future Working Group – a coalition of over 70 dedicated professionals across the sector who have experience working with the government.  

Supporting the creation of green skills 

Dan Cooke, director of policy, communications and external affairs at CIWM, said: “CIWM acknowledges the government’s recognition of the limitations of the Apprenticeship Levy. We also believe there should be a greater emphasis on developing a green skills pipeline beyond just the energy sector, and we welcome the introduction of the Circular Economy Taskforce.  

“As an independent, charitable, and chartered organisation, CIWM is ideally positioned to support Defra and Skills England in tackling these skills challenges and meeting this need. [The] government has a real opportunity to prioritise the three key areas we’ve outlined in our Skills Position Paper to ensure focus and to deliver the greatest impact in the short to mid-term.  

“I’d also like to thank the CIWM Skills for the Future Working Group for all their important contributions and ongoing support.”