Environmental jobs are career change of choice

Research launched today shows that environmental roles are becoming highly desirable with a third of those surveyed saying they had changed career to move into the sector.


The survey, conducted by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), reveals that environmental practitioners with the right combination of skills are driving cost savings to business of up to £55 billion a year through energy and resource efficiency savings.

According to IEMA’s research, moving into an environmental practitioner role is becoming a desirable career change of choice with 88% of people surveyed experiencing high levels of satisfaction after making the change.

Nearly 45% of people asked had made the career change because they wanted to either make an environmental difference or said they have a personal and positive interest in the environment.

A further 20% reported that ‘the environment’ became vital to the development of an existing role.

As a result people are changing jobs from a multitude of sectors and roles, and bringing a range of business skills and experience.

IEMA’s director of membership services, Claire Lea, said: “The latest survey of our members shows that environmental practitioner roles are on the move, providing new and exciting career opportunities.

“It is these environmental practitioners who are uniquely positioned to identify opportunities to add value, drive cost savings, and, ultimately, deliver change.”

In response to rising demand for skilled environmental practitioners IEMA has mapped out the environmental skills and knowledge across all levels of experience and responsibility in organisations.

IEMA’s Environmental Skills Map has been produced to provide environmental practitioners, business, recruiters and training providers with structure and clarity.

Environmental Skills Map defines the career path for an environmental practitioner, and the competencies required to deliver sound business strategies and benefits to business.

For more information about the survey and IEMA’s services visit the website.

Alison Brown

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