The mayor of the West Midlands has pledged to plug the net-zero skills gap to boost the region’s green economy.
Richard Parker said he would ensure people in the area would have the skills they needed to take up new jobs being created in “fast-growing green industries”.
His comments came after a report from Coventry University highlighted the lack of skilled workers in the sector and urged the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to take action.
Parker said he would boost the sector with measures like investing in decarbonising homes or businesses and attracting firms to the region, including electric vehicle battery manufacturers.
“It will turbocharge the work that’s already begun to build a pipeline of talent to tackle the net-zero skills gap this report rightly highlights,” he added.
The report made recommendations for short, medium and long-term action that could be taken in the region.
These included establishing a green skills centre, creating apprenticeships and collaborate with government and industries.
Prof Carl Perrin, Coventry University’s associate pro vice-chancellor for research, said: “Green skills are no longer a ‘nice to have’ – they are a strategic imperative.
“Businesses that invest in sustainability and workforce development are not only contributing to environmental goals but also unlocking economic advantages.”