Two-thirds of practising chemists believe there is a skills gap when it comes to 'green jobs', according to RSC survey
February 2022 - Chemicals
Two-thirds of practising chemists believe there is a skills gap when it comes to 'green jobs': A survey conducted by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has found that two-thirds (68%) of practising chemists believe there is a skills gap when it comes to 'green jobs'.
The research, which polled 19 educational providers and 1,198 people working in chemistry-related careers, also found that problematic areas which are proving difficult to recruit for include carbon capture and measuring and reducing the impact of chemicals on the environment.
The overall purpose of the survey was to get respondent views on the current state of green skills and the teaching of climate-related skills.
When it comes to education, the research revealed that most of the academics and chemistry professionals polled, do not believe that the curriculum is good enough for students in terms of its climate and environment-related content, or for supporting them in further study or related careers. Nearly all of the respondents polled said that lessons relating to the climate crisis and other areas of sustainability were 'vitally important', with more than three-quarters (77%) saying that it was 'very important' that chemical sciences courses directly link to environmental sustainability. This percentage was even greater when asked about primary and secondary education. The research found that just three in 10 (29%) respondents believe that the curriculum in its current form is doing enough to attract and support students into going on to study further, or build a career, in chemical sciences or sustainability.
As part of the research, young people aged 11-18 years were also surveyed, finding that half of the 16-18 year-olds have asked educators to teach more content around sustainability and climate change in classes.
RSC’s director of education and professional practice Sarah Robinson, said: "We have a responsibility to educate and inspire young people throughout their education to prepare them for the challenges the world will face in the years to come – and the careers that arise from those challenges.”
Sign up to our newsletter to receive free insights from your sector...
Support Us...
We hope that you have found this article useful. This section is freely available for all to use. Please help support it by liking us or following us on our social media platforms:
