Survey Reveals: UK School Leavers Eager to Dive into Green Jobs Without Delay

Image Credit: E.ON New Energy

A nationwide poll of thousands of teenagers collecting their exam results this summer has uncovered a striking shift in ambitions. Around one in three say they have no interest in going to university. Meanwhile, more than a quarter are eager to jump straight into work in the rapidly expanding green economy.

The survey, conducted by E.ON among 2,007 16 to 18-year-olds, found that 34 per cent do not plan to pursue a university education. Most of the others want to start in entry-level jobs as soon as possible, while 19 per cent are exploring apprenticeships or degree apprenticeships.

Whatever their next step, many teenagers share a common goal: they want to work in roles that feel purposeful and relevant to the future.

Half of those polled believe jobs that contribute to a greener future hold greater value than those that do not. Nearly as many, 44 per cent, say the appeal of a green economy career lies in the pride they would take in helping to shape a more sustainable world.

For teenagers skipping university altogether, almost half admit that part of the reason is a desire to start working in the green economy as quickly as possible.

When asked which sectors they find most appealing, low-carbon energy emerged as the top choice. Careers in sustainable construction, building design, product development and nature conservation also scored highly. The UK Government has promised to publish a Clean Energy Workforce Strategy before the end of the year, as part of its Industrial Strategy.

E.ON’s chief people officer Helen Bradbury said: “Young people know that meaningful climate action needs to happen now – there is no time to lose. And we also know that rapidly nurturing green skills will be key to achieving the UK’s clean energy ambitions.”

Recent research from the CBI’s economics division paints a healthy picture of the green sector’s contribution. In 2024, the UK’s green economy generated £83.1 billion in gross value added, which is more than ten per cent higher than the previous year, despite broader economic headwinds. The average full-time salary across the 951,000 roles assessed stood at £43,100, over £6,000 above the national average. Each position generated an average of £105,500 in economic value, which is 38% higher than the UK norm.

The timing of E.ON’s polling coincides with exam season. A-Level students in England will receive their results on 14 August, while GCSE students have their big day on 21 August.

The data also reveals that many teenagers are rethinking the value of a degree in an era shaped by artificial intelligence and rising living costs. Almost two-thirds are attracted to apprenticeships as a way to avoid student debt, and a similar proportion believe practical skills can be gained more quickly in the workplace than at university.

Seven in ten say that the potential impact of AI has caused them to reconsider the career paths they once assumed were best for them.

Separate research from USwitch shows that specific green economy jobs are already seeing hiring surges. Roles in demand include heat pump engineers, environmental risk site technicians and solar panel installers, all of which suggest the next generation may be stepping into a job market greener than ever.