Green Careers Week is a brilliant opportunity to inspire students to think about how their interests and skills can contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether you're new to a career leader role or just looking for fresh ideas, here are ten practical ways to get involved and make an impact.
- Start with what’s already happening
Explore existing sustainability initiatives in your school or college. There may be eco clubs, curriculum projects, or student-led campaigns that can be highlighted or expanded during the week. - Keep it simple and inclusive
Consider a whole-school drop-down session where every class takes part. Provide colleagues with a short slide deck or activity guide to make it easy to deliver and ensure consistency across departments. - Embed it in the curriculum
Encourage each subject area to contribute with a themed activity, whether it’s designing a sustainable product in design technology, writing a poem in English, or exploring climate data in maths. Invite a local employer to judge student work and celebrate achievements. - Engage families and carers
Strong communication with parents and carers helps build momentum. Share plans in newsletters or on social media and encourage families to support or attend events. Their involvement reinforces the message at home. - Use your network
Reach out to alumni and employer contacts working in green industries or roles. They can speak to students, run workshops, or offer prizes. Many local businesses are keen to support sustainability education and may align with your goals. - Think beyond the classroom
Your school’s environmental policy, and those of your suppliers, can be a great starting point. From catering to construction, explore how different sectors contribute to sustainability and invite them to share their career pathways. - Tap into free resources
The UCAS Hub offers virtual work experience programmes and career insights into green roles that students might not encounter otherwise. These can be used in tutor time, lessons, or shared for independent exploration. - Make it fun and collaborative
Add a competitive edge with house points, certificates, or small rewards. Staff and students alike respond well to light-hearted challenges – think litter picks, eco quizzes, or design competitions. - Show students their impact
Young people thrive on meaningful feedback. Share outcomes with them, whether it’s praise from a guest speaker, a feature in the school newsletter, or recognition from senior leaders. It helps them see the value of their contribution. - Create a legacy
Embed Green Careers Week into your school calendar. Encourage student leaders to pass the baton each year, and keep a visual record of achievements like posters, displays, or digital portfolios. Make sustainability part of your school’s culture.
