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Gloucestershire partners come together to build green skills revolution

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Leaders from education, business, skills and local government have come together in Gloucester to help build the workforce needed for the county’s green skills future.

Green Skills Conference 2026, hosted by Gloucestershire County Council in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire at its City Campus in Gloucester, brought over 200 partners together to focus on the skills, training and career pathways needed to support Gloucestershire’s green skills revolution.

The event explored how employers, schools, colleges, universities and training organisations can work together to prepare residents and businesses for the growth of green jobs, including opportunities in clean energy, retrofit, construction, nature recovery and other low-carbon sectors.

A key focus of the day was the county’s new Green Skills Strategy and the development of a Federated Green Skills Faculty, a partnership approach designed to connect education, training and employer needs more effectively. It will help make it easier for employers and learners to understand what training is available, identify gaps in provision and create clearer routes into green careers. 

Cllr Linda Cohen, cabinet member for education and skills at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This conference has shown the strength of ambition across Gloucestershire to make sure local people can benefit from the jobs and opportunities created by the move to Net Zero.

“Green skills are not just about new technology. They are about giving people of all ages the confidence, training and support to move into future careers, whether they are just starting out, changing direction or looking to retrain. By working closely with schools, colleges, universities and employers, we can create clearer pathways into good local jobs and help Gloucestershire lead the way.”

Professor Matt Reed, Head of Research from University of Gloucestershire, said: “The University of Gloucestershire is proud to host this important conference at our City Campus and to be part of the shared effort to develop the green skills Gloucestershire needs.

“Universities have a vital role to play in bringing research, teaching and partnerships together so that students, employers and communities are ready for the opportunities of the green economy. The collaborative approach being developed in Gloucestershire has real potential to support innovation, strengthen local skills and help people build sustainable careers.”