“Meaningful” careers, Love Island, and government policy: what do they have in common? They’re the ways in which the younger generations are pushing for sustainability in all areas of our lives. 

Many aspects of the lives of Gen Z are centred around being sustainable, even down to cult classic Love Island being sponsored by sustainable retailer eBay, rather than a fast fashion brand (as they have previously partnered with).

The younger generations that are coming through the door of the working world are arguably the most climate conscious, but does this passion for sustainability translate into a passion for a career in the waste sector?

Gen Z & The Waste Industry

Corporate sustainability is definitely a topic of conversation. Numerous surveys have been conducted in the last few years, all citing that over 70% of ‘Gen Z’ want to work for climate conscious companies, but do they want a job specifically in the waste sector?

The answer to that question is more complex.

The industry is experiencing shortages, but the industry is growing at an incredible rate. It is predicted that both existing policy and the move to sustainable resources will create an additional 74,200 new roles in the waste and resources sector by 2030. Rising to 240,000 by 2040. It’s hard to deduce whether the shortages are down to an increase in demand, or a lack of interest from the incoming workforce.

A promising future

The waste industry places a crucial role in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices. Careers within this field can involve waste reduction, recycling technologies, waste management policies, renewable energy, and developing innovative solutions to minimise climate change.

With the concern that the younger generation have with climate change, it does mean that the younger generation may be particularly interested in working in this industry.

Career pathways aren’t always as clear as deciding you want to work in a sector and then cultivating a career in said sector. However, recorded opinions from the incoming workforce are promising.

• 68% of children aged between 5 – 13 hope to work in a ‘green job’ that helps the environment. With over half of them saying that ‘making a difference’ plays a bigger influence on career choices than money or fame.
• 45% of 18 – 34 year olds interviewed said they believe that sustainable sectors offer more secure career pathways. With 57% saying they’d rather work for an environmentally sustainable business.
• 71% of Gen Zs in the workplace would take a pay cut to do meaningful work.

The prioritisation of job satisfaction, purpose and potential to make a difference could mean that, for those with a passion for sustainability, the waste industry may hold an appeal.

What can we do?

How do we make green jobs more attractive to incoming workers?

There needs to be a greater understanding into the industry itself, and how the industry does help prevent climate change. Once people understand the correlations between the two, they will then see how a career within the sector can truly make a difference.

As a sector we need to ensure that there are pathways into the industry, and that we are making is as accessible as possible for the next generation.

At Smart, we are supporting young people into employment through numerous different avenues including a sector-based worker academy programme. This programme is designed for those aged 19 and above, gives sector-based training from a classroom environment, provides work experience, and often results in sustainable, long-term employment opportunities.

Want to know more? Contact us today to learn more about how this could help your business, or help you find your next role.