At School and College - Green Jobs for Nature

You don’t have to wait to start learning about ecology and the environment – there are plenty of options at school and college that can help kickstart your journey towards a green job.

Ages 14-16

In school, you might learn about ecology and the environment through subjects like Biology, Geography, or other Science classes. Depending on where you live, you can study these subjects as GCSEs (England, Wales, Northern Ireland), National 5s (Scotland), or Junior Certificate subjects (Ireland).

New subjects are also being introduced, like the Cambridge IGCSE Environmental Management, the Cambridge IGCSE Marine Science, and the new OCR GCSE Natural History, which focus even more on nature and the environment.

The STEM Ambassador Programme (UK) brings science to life through volunteers who share their experiences. Ask your school if they can arrange for a STEM Ambassador to visit.

Ages 16-19

Thinking about university or a career in nature? The next step for many is to study A-Levels (England, Wales, Northern Ireland), Scottish Highers (Scotland), or the Leaving Certificate (Ireland). Options vary, but look out for subjects like Biology, Geography, or even Environmental Science.

If you prefer hands-on learning, you can explore more vocational routes, like BTECs or City and Guilds courses in areas like Countryside Studies, Forestry, or Environmental Sustainability. These options can lead to apprenticeships, higher education, or straight into green jobs.

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What if you’ve picked a different subject?

Many people in green jobs didn’t take ‘relevant’ subjects at school. Skills from subjects like Art, Business, or Law can still be useful in jobs like media, project management, or environmental policy.

Keep in mind that some university degrees or apprenticeships might ask for specific subjects. If you change your mind later, you can take courses like Access to Higher Education in relevant sciences, or explore free online courses through platforms like FutureLearn.

Vocational Studies

If you prefer practical learning, vocational courses could be a great fit. These include practical work and classroom learning and are available at different levels. Courses like Countryside and Environment or Environmental Conservation can lead to apprenticeships or university.

Some traineeships, hosted by environmental organisations, offer hands-on experience and a chance to gain qualifications – plus, you might even get a bursary to help cover costs!

Wherever you are in your studies, you can also explore short courses or free opportunities through organisations like the Field Studies Council or Wildlife Trusts to deepen your knowledge about the environment.