WJEC unveils sustainability qualification for the 'net zero' jobs of tomorrow

WJEC has launched its ‘Sustainability in Action’ qualification to support the ‘net zero jobs’ of the next generation of workers.

The qualification has been developed in collaboration with the office of the Future Generations Commissioner to support Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act, the Curriculum for Wales, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The development follows significant interest from training providers across England and Wales working with WJEC to deliver innovative sustainability provision that meets the skills and knowledge needs of their learners.

Upon completion, learners will be equipped with the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to work the 'net zero' jobs of tomorrow, including leadership, change management and stakeholder engagement.

The qualification was formally launched at an event at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, hosted by the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Derek Walker and WJEC Chief Executive Ian Morgan.

Ian Morgan said: “These qualifications will give learners the skills and confidence needed to address the climate issues with logic and care, and equip them with the requirements to work successfully in sustainability and net-zero jobs.

“I am very excited for what the future holds for those taking these qualifications. It is imperative that we take whatever action we can amidst the climate emergency to promise a bright future for those after us.”

Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, said: “Leaving a liveable planet for people born in the future is a noble obligation, and it’s exciting that people in Wales will soon be able to study how to protect the interests of future generations.

“These new qualifications will help take us towards the vision of Cymru Can, my strategy for a Cymru that’s a better place to live, with a bright and optimistic future – thriving, inclusive and green, as we work collectively to tackle the issues facing us now, like the climate and nature emergencies and increasing health inequalities.

“This is a positive and exciting step forward for the new Curriculum for Wales, where everyone has the opportunity to learn about Wales’ unique and world-leading legislation, the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, and can play a part in building a better future in five, 25, 100 years’ time.”

Wyn Prichard, Sustainability and Net Zero Senior Consultant and Chair of WJEC’s Qualification Development Group, said: "As someone who has been involved in skills and training for more than 30 years, I feel privileged to have been engaged in the development of these key qualifications.

“Sustainability is a key area of learning for all and being a 100 Future Generation Changemakers and Wales chair of the Sustainability supply chain school, it is great to see this partnership with WJEC deliver this in true partnership. This qualification will provide a foundation in Welsh Government's aspirations of a NET Zero business and skills base."

Following the ‘Sustainability in Action’ qualification, learners can select from a range of optional units to increase their knowledge and understanding in sustainability in more focused contexts, by continuing with the ‘Sustainability in Context’ qualification.

Building on this, WJEC is developing two ‘Sustainability in Practice’ qualifications. The Level 2 ‘Sustainability in Practice: Future Changemakers’ aims to empower individuals to become ‘sustainability changemakers’, and the Level 3 ‘Sustainability in Practice’ will support those who already have responsibility for sustainability within their organisation. The qualifications will focus on applicable skills such as leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead and implement sustainable initiatives within organisations.

For more information on the new suite of qualifications, please contact Jonathan.Thomas@wjec.co.uk