National Careers Week 2026 - Green Jobs for Nature

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Get your pupils thinking about their future with our free week of live, interactive careers lessons.

This March, we’re excited to offer a full week of free, live and curriculum-linked online sessions as part of National Careers Week 2026, designed especially for pupils aged 10–12.

Across the week, your classroom will meet inspiring people working in wildlife, conservation, science, forestry and environmental education across the UK. Pupils will discover the wide range of jobs that help protect nature, from working outdoors in seas, cities and woodlands to supporting conservation behind the scenes.

Together, we’ll explore what environmental careers really look like, the many different pathways into these roles, and the skills young people need to succeed, such as teamwork, communication, curiosity and problem-solving.

Join us online from Monday 2 to Friday 6 March 2026 for an inspiring week of discovery.

This page features all the online events we will be hosting throughout National Careers Week.

“Great session that inspired and enthused a class of 30 children.”
Teacher who attended 2025 Green Careers Week Festival

Monday 2 March

Careers by the Coast: Working with Our Seas 09:30 – 10:00
Recommended age group: 10 – 12
In this session, pupils will meet two professionals working in the marine sector with the North Wales Wildlife Trust: Reece and Dylan. Together, they will introduce pupils to a range of marine careers, showing how people work to understand, protect and connect others with the ocean. The session highlights that working with the sea doesn’t just mean being a scientist on a boat: it includes education, community engagement, research, and traineeships and internships that help people get started. During the session, pupils will: – Discover different marine careers: including conservation, research, engagement and project work – Learn about traineeships and internships – practical ways people can begin a career in the marine sector – Explore real career journeys: including studying marine subjects, gaining experience, and learning on the job – Understand the skills used in marine jobs: communication, teamwork, observation, research and curiosity – See how marine careers help people and nature: protecting seas while working with communities Designed for ages 10–12, this session supports learning in science, geography and careers education, while helping pupils understand that there are many different pathways into environmental and marine work. An inspiring session for pupils who care about the ocean, enjoy science, or want a job that helps protect the planet.

Careers by the Coast: Working with Our Seas
09:30 – 10:00

Recommended age group: 10 – 12

In this session, pupils will meet two professionals working in the marine sector with the North Wales Wildlife Trust: Reece and Dylan.
Together, they will introduce pupils to a range of marine careers, showing how people work to understand, protect and connect others with the ocean. The session highlights that working with the sea doesn’t just mean being a scientist on a boat: it includes education, community engagement, research, and traineeships and internships that help people get started.

During the session, pupils will:
– Discover different marine careers: including conservation, research, engagement and project work
– Learn about traineeships and internships – practical ways people can begin a career in the marine sector
– Explore real career journeys: including studying marine subjects, gaining experience, and learning on the job
– Understand the skills used in marine jobs: communication, teamwork, observation, research and curiosity
– See how marine careers help people and nature: protecting seas while working with communities

Designed for ages 10–12, this session supports learning in science, geography and careers education, while helping pupils understand that there are many different pathways into environmental and marine work.

An inspiring session for pupils who care about the ocean, enjoy science, or want a job that helps protect the planet.

All About Agroforestry: Growing Food, Helping Nature and Making Money 11:00 – 11:30
Recommended age group: 10 – 12
In this session, you will meet Claire from the Western Forest, England’s newest national forest. In this session, you will meet Claire from the Western Forest, England’s newest national forest. Claire is working hard to bring more trees onto farms through a practice called agroforestry. Trees don’t just provide food and homes for wildlife, they also offer lots of benefits to farmers. They can help reduce flooding, improve soil health, and give animals shade and shelter. Trees can even help farmers grow new products such as nuts, fruit, and timber, often increasing the income a farm can earn. Pupils will also explore the many careers connected to agroforestry, from practical roles like land management, tree planting, and advising farmers, to jobs in science, policy, education, and business that shape the future of sustainable food systems. The session will show how agroforestry helps tackle climate change, supports biodiversity, and strengthens rural communities, while highlighting the skills and pathways needed to take part in this important work. Designed for ages 10–12, the session links closely with science, geography, and careers education, helping pupils discover the wide variety of routes into environmental and land-based work. Whether you’re interested in nature, farming, climate action, or simply want a career that makes a positive difference, this session will explain how agroforestry is helping to improve the countryside and food production, one tree at a time.

All About Agroforestry: Growing Food, Helping Nature and Making Money
11:00 – 11:30

Recommended age group: 10 – 12

In this session, you will meet Claire from the Western Forest, England’s newest national forest.

In this session, you will meet Claire from the Western Forest, England’s newest national forest. Claire is working hard to bring more trees onto farms through a practice called agroforestry. Trees don’t just provide food and homes for wildlife, they also offer lots of benefits to farmers. They can help reduce flooding, improve soil health, and give animals shade and shelter. Trees can even help farmers grow new products such as nuts, fruit, and timber, often increasing the income a farm can earn.

Pupils will also explore the many careers connected to agroforestry, from practical roles like land management, tree planting, and advising farmers, to jobs in science, policy, education, and business that shape the future of sustainable food systems. The session will show how agroforestry helps tackle climate change, supports biodiversity, and strengthens rural communities, while highlighting the skills and pathways needed to take part in this important work.

Designed for ages 10–12, the session links closely with science, geography, and careers education, helping pupils discover the wide variety of routes into environmental and land-based work.

Whether you’re interested in nature, farming, climate action, or simply want a career that makes a positive difference, this session will explain how agroforestry is helping to improve the countryside and food production, one tree at a time.

Tuesday 3 March

Science Outdoors: How You Can Become an Ecologist 9:30 – 10:00
Recommended age group: 10 – 12
Join us for an engaging virtual careers session with Marie McAvan, a working ecologist who studies wildlife, habitats and biodiversity across the UK. Marie will take pupils on a journey through a real day in her job, showing them how science moves beyond the classroom and into the outdoors. Drawing on her background as a former biology teacher and examiner, Marie explains complex ideas in a clear, pupil-friendly way that really connects. During the session, students will: – Explore what an ecologist does: from surveying birds, bats and plants to protecting important habitats – See the equipment ecologists use: including field tools, recording devices and digital mapping technology – Learn how Marie got into her career: from studying Marine Biology to changing career paths and retraining – Discover the skills needed for the job: teamwork, problem-solving, communication and curiosity – Be inspired by real-world impact: how ecology helps protect wildlife and the environment Designed especially for ages 10 – 12, this session links perfectly to science, geography, environmental studies and careers education, while opening pupils’ eyes to exciting future pathways they may not have considered. An ideal opportunity to inspire young people who love nature, science or working outdoors.

Science Outdoors: How You Can Become an Ecologist
9:30 – 10:00

Recommended age group: 10 – 12

Join us for an engaging virtual careers session with Marie McAvan, a working ecologist who studies wildlife, habitats and biodiversity across the UK.

Marie will take pupils on a journey through a real day in her job, showing them how science moves beyond the classroom and into the outdoors. Drawing on her background as a former biology teacher and examiner, Marie explains complex ideas in a clear, pupil-friendly way that really connects.

During the session, students will:
– Explore what an ecologist does: from surveying birds, bats and plants to protecting important habitats
– See the equipment ecologists use: including field tools, recording devices and digital mapping technology
– Learn how Marie got into her career: from studying Marine Biology to changing career paths and retraining
– Discover the skills needed for the job: teamwork, problem-solving, communication and curiosity
– Be inspired by real-world impact: how ecology helps protect wildlife and the environment

Designed especially for ages 10 – 12, this session links perfectly to science, geography, environmental studies and careers education, while opening pupils’ eyes to exciting future pathways they may not have considered.

An ideal opportunity to inspire young people who love nature, science or working outdoors.

From Maps to Meadows: Planning for Wildlife 11:00 – 11:30
Recommended age group: 10 – 12
Join Jess Hodges, an Ecology Project Manager who works on projects that improve nature on reserves and public green spaces. Join us for a fun and interactive virtual careers session with Jess Hodges, an Ecology Project Manager who works on projects that improve nature on reserves and public green spaces. Jess will introduce students to a project the team are currently working on and ask for their help with the problem solving. Pupils will explore how creating space for nature in busy places can be challenging, especially when there is limited time and budget, but also exciting and rewarding. Although Jess studied Ecology at university, her role uses a wide range of skills every day. From reading maps and using digital technology to maths, writing and teamwork, pupils will see how many different skills come together in environmental project work. During the session, students will: -Hear about the value of nature on their doorstep and the unlikely places it may call home -Learn about a project currently in progress and help to solve some of the challenges encountered -Explore the nature reserve on GIS (Geographic information system, mapping) from satellite imagery to learning about LiDAR and topography -Discover the wide variety of careers that contribute to a project like this from Landscape Architects to fluvial geomorphologist’s – and learn what they do -Be inspired to look outside the box at the range of jobs that the environmental sector needs and how exciting they can be.

From Maps to Meadows: Planning for Wildlife
11:00 – 11:30

Recommended age group: 10 – 12

Join Jess Hodges, an Ecology Project Manager who works on projects that improve nature on reserves and public green spaces.
Join us for a fun and interactive virtual careers session with Jess Hodges, an Ecology Project Manager who works on projects that improve nature on reserves and public green spaces.

Jess will introduce students to a project the team are currently working on and ask for their help with the problem solving. Pupils will explore how creating space for nature in busy places can be challenging, especially when there is limited time and budget, but also exciting and rewarding.

Although Jess studied Ecology at university, her role uses a wide range of skills every day. From reading maps and using digital technology to maths, writing and teamwork, pupils will see how many different skills come together in environmental project work.

During the session, students will:

-Hear about the value of nature on their doorstep and the unlikely places it may call home
-Learn about a project currently in progress and help to solve some of the challenges encountered
-Explore the nature reserve on GIS (Geographic information system, mapping) from satellite imagery to learning about LiDAR and topography
-Discover the wide variety of careers that contribute to a project like this from Landscape Architects to fluvial geomorphologist’s – and learn what they do
-Be inspired to look outside the box at the range of jobs that the environmental sector needs and how exciting they can be.

Wednesday 4 March

Exploring Urban Wildlife Careers 9:30 – 10:00
Recommended age group: 10 – 12
Join us for an engaging virtual careers session with Faye Vogely, Head of Youth Programmes at London Wildlife Trust, who works with young people to help protect wildlife in London. Faye will introduce pupils to a range of careers linked to urban wildlife, using examples from the Keeping it Wild traineeship programme. Pupils will learn how trainees take part in different types of work across city nature reserves, why urban wildlife is important, and how young people can make a positive difference for nature. During the session, pupils will: – Learn about the different wildlife careers trainees explore, from environmental education to practical conservation – Discover why urban wildlife is important in towns and cities – Explore the skills needed for working with wildlife and people – Be inspired to take action for nature in their own communities Designed especially for ages 10–12, this session links to science, geography and careers education, helping pupils see how caring for nature can become a future pathway. An ideal opportunity to explore urban wildlife careers and inspire pupils to take their first steps in helping the environment.

Exploring Urban Wildlife Careers
9:30 – 10:00

Recommended age group: 10 – 12

Join us for an engaging virtual careers session with Faye Vogely, Head of Youth Programmes at London Wildlife Trust, who works with young people to help protect wildlife in London.

Faye will introduce pupils to a range of careers linked to urban wildlife, using examples from the Keeping it Wild traineeship programme. Pupils will learn how trainees take part in different types of work across city nature reserves, why urban wildlife is important, and how young people can make a positive difference for nature.

During the session, pupils will:
– Learn about the different wildlife careers trainees explore, from environmental education to practical conservation
– Discover why urban wildlife is important in towns and cities
– Explore the skills needed for working with wildlife and people
– Be inspired to take action for nature in their own communities

Designed especially for ages 10–12, this session links to science, geography and careers education, helping pupils see how caring for nature can become a future pathway.

An ideal opportunity to explore urban wildlife careers and inspire pupils to take their first steps in helping the environment.

Thursday 5 March

Working with trees and people: Using Ecology in Forestry and Education 9:30 – 10:00
Recommended age group: 10 – 12
Join us for a virtual careers session with Jemma Cuthbert, School and Community Officer with the Royal Forestry Society. Jemma uses her training in ecology in a career that merges education and forestry. During the session, students will: – Explore how an ecological background can be used in a career in environmental education, including improving school grounds for both wildlife and pupils – Explore how an understanding of ecology helps inform decisions in forestry, and some of the issues and dilemmas we face when growing timber as a sustainable resource – Learn how Jemma got into her career: from studying ecology to side-stepping into working in education to merging both threads together – Discover the skills needed for the job: communication, teamwork, problem-solving and a commitment to continuous learning – Be inspired by real-world impact: how tree planting in schools can help wildlife and pupils; how managing woodlands can both help wildlife and provide us with a sustainable resource Designed especially for ages 10-12, this session links perfectly to science, geography, environmental studies and careers education, while opening pupils’ eyes to future pathways they may not have considered. An ideal opportunity to inspire young people who love nature, science or working outdoors.

Working with trees and people: Using Ecology in Forestry and Education
9:30 – 10:00

Recommended age group: 10 – 12

Join us for a virtual careers session with Jemma Cuthbert, School and Community Officer with the Royal Forestry Society. Jemma uses her training in ecology in a career that merges education and forestry.

During the session, students will:
– Explore how an ecological background can be used in a career in environmental education, including improving school grounds for both wildlife and pupils
– Explore how an understanding of ecology helps inform decisions in forestry, and some of the issues and dilemmas we face when growing timber as a sustainable resource
– Learn how Jemma got into her career: from studying ecology to side-stepping into working in education to merging both threads together
– Discover the skills needed for the job: communication, teamwork, problem-solving and a commitment to continuous learning
– Be inspired by real-world impact: how tree planting in schools can help wildlife and pupils; how managing woodlands can both help wildlife and provide us with a sustainable resource

Designed especially for ages 10-12, this session links perfectly to science, geography, environmental studies and careers education, while opening pupils’ eyes to future pathways they may not have considered. An ideal opportunity to inspire young people who love nature, science or working outdoors.

Friday 6 March

Behind the Scenes at the Woodland Trust: Real Jobs That Help Nature 9:30 – 10:00
Recommended age group: 10 – 12
Join us for an engaging virtual careers session with Ava Roberts and Grace Adams, two apprentices working behind the scenes at the Woodland Trust, one of the UK’s leading environmental charities. Ava and Grace will take pupils through a real day in their roles, showing how important work for nature happens not only outdoors, but also in offices and teams that support conservation projects across the country. They will share how organisation, communication and IT skills help keep work for woods and trees running smoothly. During the session, pupils will: – Discover what apprentices do day to day and how their roles support conservation work – Learn how office-based jobs can still make a real difference to the environment – Explore the skills Ava and Grace use at work, including IT, communication and teamwork – Hear about different ways people can begin their careers, including apprenticeships – Understand that there is more than one pathway into environmental jobs Designed especially for ages 10–12, this session links well to IT, communication skills and careers education, helping pupils connect what they practise at school to real jobs that support nature. An ideal opportunity to explore less visible environmental roles and highlight that helping nature takes many different skills and people.

Behind the Scenes at the Woodland Trust: Real Jobs That Help Nature
9:30 – 10:00

Recommended age group: 10 – 12

Join us for an engaging virtual careers session with Ava Roberts and Grace Adams, two apprentices working behind the scenes at the Woodland Trust, one of the UK’s leading environmental charities.
Ava and Grace will take pupils through a real day in their roles, showing how important work for nature happens not only outdoors, but also in offices and teams that support conservation projects across the country. They will share how organisation, communication and IT skills help keep work for woods and trees running smoothly.

During the session, pupils will:
– Discover what apprentices do day to day and how their roles support conservation work
– Learn how office-based jobs can still make a real difference to the environment
– Explore the skills Ava and Grace use at work, including IT, communication and teamwork
– Hear about different ways people can begin their careers, including apprenticeships
– Understand that there is more than one pathway into environmental jobs

Designed especially for ages 10–12, this session links well to IT, communication skills and careers education, helping pupils connect what they practise at school to real jobs that support nature.
An ideal opportunity to explore less visible environmental roles and highlight that helping nature takes many different skills and people.

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