UCU launches Greener Skills Manifesto

The manifesto, which will be unveiled at the South West TUC Green Skills conference, calls on the government to urgently invest in training and jobs for the UK's low carbon industries.

The manifesto calls for:

• a minister with responsibility for green skills to directly co-ordinate a training strategy that involves colleges and universities
• increasing apprenticeships that are geared towards delivering a low carbon economy
• the expansion of science, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses at public universities
• the comprehensive greening of the curriculum in schools, colleges, and universities.

Research published in 2009 by the Aldersgate Group warned that the UK had a green skills gap which was slowing its transition to a low-carbon economy.

Graham Petersen, GJA Co-ordinator, said: 'Investing in green skills and jobs is key to solving the current economic and climate crises. This manifesto is an important starting point for the UK to achieve its stated aim of the transition to a low-carbon economy.'

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'With unemployment at a record high there is huge potential for growth in our low carbon industries which can generate thousands of new jobs and opportunities for young people. With other countries investing in their low carbon industries we cannot afford to be left behind.

'Our college and universities are uniquely placed to provide people with the (delete) green skills training but they must be given the necessary funding to do so.' 

• Green Skills Manifesto [1mb]