YOUNG people from Aberdeen are being encouraged to consider green jobs as part of a major campaign launched by Careers Scotland, part of the new Skills Development Scotland organisation.
The Path is Green initiative aims to highlight how the expected growth of the renewables sector in Scotland, as highlighted by the Scottish Government, has brought with it a wealth of job opportunities, many of them in areas which were virtually non-existent a decade ago.
The campaign was launched on Monday by BBC Scotland weather presenter Heather Reid, who urged young people to consider green jobs as a way of enjoying an exciting long-term career which can make a difference to the environment.
Heather said: “This campaign is a fantastic fresh approach to highlighting to young people the huge diversity of green jobs which exist out there and which are expected to grow in future years.
“Many people may associate green jobs with working on windfarms, but it also includes many other professions, such as working as a forest ranger, electrician or ecological surveyor.”
At present, there are about 80,000 green jobs in Scotland and this is expected to increase by 50,000 over the next 10-15 years in industries such as recycling, conservation and renewable energy.
Danny Logue, director of Careers Scotland, said: “The Path is Green will highlight the range of green jobs which will be increasingly available in Scotland in years to come, and renewables is a significant part of this.
“Young people entering the renewables sector can expect a long-term career and will be playing a part in making a difference to the future of Scotland.
“By raising awareness of these jobs and encouraging young people to consider them, we are aiming to ensure that the hundreds of Scottish companies involved in renewable energy have access to a suitably skilled workforce.”
Examples of jobs available include engineers, plumbers, wind turbine technicians, boiler maintenance technicians, electricians, welders, wind analysts and solar panel and heat pump installers.
For more information about careers in renewable energy and other green jobs, log on to www.thepathisgreen.co.uk