New research suggests more pupils in South Yorkshire lack a clear pathway to 'green jobs'
That's according to a new study carried out by the 'Speakers for Schools' charity
More than half of school students across South Yorkshire have not been given guidance on green job options, new research suggests.
A survey of 1,200 state school students aged 15 to 18 found two in three knew what a green job is but 56% were unsure about the required skills and qualifications to get one, Speakers for Schools said.
The charity is calling for better co-ordination between schools and employers to help meet the Government's plans to create 250,000 green jobs.
Most of the youngsters surveyed said they cared about an organisation's carbon footprint and more than a third were planning to research an employer's green credentials before applying for a job.
Jason Elsom, chief executive of Speakers for Schools, said: "Our research reveals that there currently isn't the necessary infrastructure in place to help young people access jobs in the green economy, yet the Government is hoping to create and fill 250,000 new roles.
"If we are serious about meeting our climate ambitions, we must equip young people with the appropriate qualifications and experience to pursue the new and emerging jobs that will help us get there, while instilling the mindset that any career can have a positive influence on the environment.
"Employers must work with schools in their local communities and beyond to ensure they are reaching future talent. The responsibility cannot lie solely with schools. Ultimately, employers are missing a trick by not doing so when there is clearly high demand amongst young people to take up green careers."
The survey was published to mark the charity's Green Skills Week, its annual campaign connecting employers who offer green jobs to students at 4,000 state schools across the country.
The campaign will see 5,000 work placements take place with companies including SSE, Fat Face and Bentley Motors, to learn about green careers.