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About the programme
Have a question about Green Skills? Learn more about the programme below. If you cannot find what you are looking for, email the team at greenskills@uwe.ac.uk or watch our information video.
Why does a programme like Green Skills exist?
Green Skills for Jobs and Entrepreneurship is a two-stage programme launched in 2022, in response to the UK government’s Ten Point Plan for the Green Industrial Revolution. The programme also aims to support economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic, and the demand for 50,000 new jobs to be created in the region by 2030 to meet zero-carbon targets.
Recognising that the sustainability, environmental and conservation sector is the second least diverse in the UK, the project aims to support a just and inclusive transition to a green economy by bridging structural divides and tackling the underrepresentation of people from minoritised backgrounds in environmental careers.
The course has also been designed to enable young Black and minoritised talent to explore career opportunities and build bright green futures for themselves and others.
What are Green Skills?
Green Skills are the knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes needed to develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society.
With the climate crisis in mind, through the programme’s curriculum, the coaching and mentoring support on offer and the follow up opportunities available, there will be a variety of ways for you to further develop your problem-solving, communication, innovation and technical skills.
I'm a member of the community. Am I eligible for the programme?
Members of the local community from Black, Asian and racially minoritised ethnic backgrounds who are not currently in full time employment and aged between 18-28 (or graduated within the past 5 years) are eligible to apply for the programme.
We are hoping that approximately half of the cohort will be people who meet these criteria.
I'm a current UWE student. Am I eligible for the programme?
Yes of course. The term ‘ethnicity awarding gaps’ is used to describe the difference in the percentage of white students who graduate from undergraduate degrees with a 1st or 2:1 compared to students from Black, Asian and minoritised backgrounds.
Reducing awarding gaps is one of the main priorities for the university. At present, the biggest gaps exist between Black and white UK-domiciled* students.
With this in mind, 50% of the places available for the next cohort of the programme will be offered to current UWE Bristol students from Black or Black Multiple Heritage backgrounds with UK-domiciled status. Prioritisation will also be given to students in their second year of study (Level 2) and those in the third year of integrated Master’s programmes.
*According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the term domicile in this instance refers to the country of a student’s permanent home address prior to entry to a university course. This generally applies to students who had a permanent home address in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and are entitled to pay Home and EU tuition fees.
Course Structure
The Green Skills for Jobs and Entrepreneurship is a programme spread over 2 stages. Stage One is 8-days of paid skills training delivered 2 days each week for 4 consecutive weeks. Each of these days will cover a different topic and have a different focus relevant to sustainability, environmentalism and/or entrepreneurship in the green sector. An overview of the topics that will be covered is listed below [tbc]:
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Introduction
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Introduction to the Green Economy
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Enterprise and the Green Economy
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Food, Living and the Circular Economy
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Renewable Energy
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Seeds of Change
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Innovation
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Careers and Enterprise in the Green Sector
Across the 4 weeks, sessions will be held in a variety of locations across Bristol. These sessions will be facilitated by expert trainers, community leaders and industry professionals. What’s more, all travel expenses, lunch and refreshments will be provided by the Green Skills team.
Skills Pathway
Stage Two of the programme offers learners opportunities to pursue a skills pathway that aligns with their interests:
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For those who are keen to gain industry experience and test out their knowledge in real world settings, we have a variety of paid 6-week internships on offer to learners.
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If you have a passion for research, we are able to facilitate opportunities for you to complete a 6-week research internship with a university academic.
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Alternatively, you may be interested in setting up or further developing your own business or social enterprise. If so, kick-start your idea by accessing an incubation programme and receive a small amount of funding.
As learners make their way through Stage One and transition into Stage Two, they will have regular 1:1 coaching and mentoring sessions. These sessions will be tailored to each individual and support them to reflect on their experiences of the programme, identify their strengths and areas for development, set goals and access for Stage 2 opportunities.
Any Questions?
You can also email the Green Skills team directly at greenskills@uwe.ac.uk, we would love to hear from you!