Northern Ireland’s Green Skills Agenda seen as key to unlocking a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity

Decarbonisation isn’t just a climate goal, it’s Northern Ireland’s next major economic transformation. That was the message from the Northern Ireland Green Skills Conference held at the Europa Hotel, Belfast, where business, government, and academic leaders gathered to explore how workforce readiness will shape a sustainable future.

Department for the Economy Permanent Secretary Ian Snowden said that achieving net zero by 2050 is both a legal obligation and a powerful economic catalyst. 

“If we can properly grasp this opportunity, it will be nothing short of transformative for the health and prosperity of our society,” he told delegates. 

Snowden highlighted the Department’s Green Skills Action Plan, developed with the Green Skills Delivery Group, as a roadmap for building a resilient, highly skilled workforce. The plan prioritises education, inclusivity, and partnerships with employers to deliver the skills needed for growth across renewable energy, low-carbon construction, and circular economy sectors.

Gordon Parkes, Chair of the Green Skills Delivery Group and HR Director at NIE Networks, outlined 28 actions under four priority areas designed to create “an integrated green skills system that works effectively for individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.”

Speakers agreed that collaboration between employers, educators, and government will be crucial to ensuring Northern Ireland not only meets its climate targets but also secures long-term prosperity through green innovation and job creation.

Read the full article on the Northern Ireland Green Skills Conference and its vision for a sustainable economy.