For a brighter future, go green
THERE is a growing number of opportunities for environmentalists in search of a green career.
Ed Whalley, 25, is business development manager for Delphis Eco in London, an eco-friendly catering and cleaning products manufacturer. ‘I’ve always been interested in climate change issues and have been seeking ways to make a positive difference, so when I found Delphis Eco, I had to get involved,’ he says.
‘Previous experience in business development taught me how to organise and keep on top of things when it’s busy, which is valuable as Delphis Eco is growing fast.’
The company is about to launch a range of eco-friendly consumer products that come in recycled bottles.
‘The environmental sector is a rewarding industry to get involved with because you know you’re making a difference that will benefit everyone on the planet,’ says Ed.
‘We are all trying to make a positive impact and adapting as we go along.
‘I love meeting new big customers and trying to persuade other companies to use our products.’
Mark Jankovich, chief executive of Delphis Eco, says: ‘Employers in this sector look for candidates who are motivated by making a difference. Our ethos is that business should be proactive in driving change, but prospective candidates must understand that to do that, we must achieve commercial scale and success.’
For job-seekers who are looking for a green career, he advises: ‘Increasing numbers of candidates want to work in this sector, so research your topic and ensure you understand the business of a prospective employer.
‘Good work experience and knowledge of sustainable best practice or apprenticeships will put candidates ahead.’
Environmental jobs cover a huge range of roles including risk assessment and reporting, project management, conservation, waste strategy and jobs in green energy.
Lantra, the skills council that covers the environmental sector, forecasts that 595,000 entrants will be required to work in environment and sustainability by 2020.
According to the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), graduate entrants earned an average of £24,500 in 2015, with the average earnings of environment and sustainability professionals at £43,812.
MORE details: lantra.co.uk; prospects. ac.uk; endsdirectory.com; iema.net.
LW