A builder looking at plans in a timber framed houseThe language of climate change policy has hitherto been largely negative, with wide use of such words as 'limitation', 'constraint' and 'reduction'. However, investing in new technology, stimulating new economic activity around a re-engineering of energy systems, and developing new markets – all necessary to avoid climate catastrophe – will stimulate growth and offer new, skilled employment to workers. The paper Low-Carbon Jobs in an Inter-Connected World, published by the Global Climate Network, November 2009, focuses on the emerging debate concerning the creation of 'low-carbon' jobs. What perhaps began as rhetoric generated for the purpose of counteracting climate negativity is now developing into an area of study that offers extraordinarily promising benefits. Not only can a low-carbon technology revolution help achieve climate change goals, it can also create new jobs, boost economic growth, and help improve the lives of those currently deprived of access to energy.

Each area in England has revised its ESF Framework so that it contains a special focus on training for new 'green jobs' in a low-carbon economy. There is no doubt that the green sectors will require new jobs, but they will also need to redefine many existing job profiles. The demand for new related skills will rise in most occupations, and to meet this challenge, education and training systems will need to supply a well-trained, highly skilled labour force. Therefore, to increase the number of new green jobs and to 'green' existing jobs in different sectors, it is crucial to consider the skills implications of greening economies and to close the skills gaps that already presents a bottleneck for spreading clean and low-carbon technologies and practices.

Legislation relating to energy efficiency, carbon reduction and more efficient waste and water management means that employers need to increase skills of their workforce in order for targets to be met. Some employers face considerable challenges in ensuring these targets are achieved.

Enviroskills in the South East brings together a regional partnership of high quality training providers to bridge the gap between standard industry training provision and the need for future environmental technologies and related bio-science topics across a range of sectors, predominantly construction, manufacturing, hospitality and care.

South West Enabling Environmental Technologies (SWEET) conducted a training needs analysis in the South West and developed flexible training in environmental technologies to support businesses in the west of England move into the emerging markets of renewable energy, energy efficiency and waste management.

Environmental Skills Network (ESN) in Cornwall has successfully addressed a significant knowledge gap by providing structured training paths from basic environmental awareness to environmental management, including individualised environmental management systems training required by most companies to meet current and new legislation.