The Net Zero Future Skills Report, commissioned through the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) Clean Futures Innovation Accelerator and delivered by Coventry University, outlines a series of recommendations aimed at addressing a region-wide shortfall in workforce capability around sustainability and low carbon technologies.
With the UK forecast to generate up to 480,000 green jobs by 2030, the report suggests the West Midlands could boost its competitive edge by establishing a dedicated Green Skills Centre. The centre would focus particularly on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which dominate the local economic landscape but face specific challenges in upskilling.
The research identified that a high proportion of SME workforces require urgent training in net zero-related skills, while many businesses already acknowledge they will need to adapt rapidly in the coming years. However, limited time, constrained budgets and lack of access to specialist training remain significant hurdles.
Professor Carl Perrin, associate pro vice-chancellor (research) at Coventry University, emphasised that the shift to green skills is no longer optional. “Green skills are no longer a ‘nice to have’ – they are a strategic imperative,” he said. “Businesses that invest in sustainability and workforce development are not only contributing to environmental goals but also unlocking economic advantages.”
He added: “Many SMEs struggle to free up time or resources to invest in sustainability training. Without intervention, long-term planning becomes a luxury few can afford. Yet, the rewards of a robust green skills strategy – from business growth to regional competitiveness – far outweigh the short-term costs.”
The report sets out a phased strategy:
- Short-term: Launch targeted outreach and set up a Green Skills Centre to cater to SME needs.
- Medium-term: Create structured green career pathways via apprenticeships and internships, especially for young people.
- Long-term: Foster stronger collaboration between government, industry, and academia to build sustainable skills infrastructure.
Echoing these priorities, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said the findings would directly inform his forthcoming Growth Plan. “It’s all about making sure local people have the skills they need to take up the new jobs we’re creating in fast-growing green industries,” he said.
Parker pointed to ongoing work to decarbonise homes and businesses, and regional success in attracting investment from EV battery manufacturers and clean tech firms. “We’re building a pipeline of talent, and this report shows how we can accelerate that – by joining up public investment, industry demand and education pathways.”
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