S2 Ep. 07 The People Problem at the Heart of The Green Transition
Behind every climate solution lies a human challenge.
A challenge not just of technology or capital, but of people — the skills, training and pathways needed to turn ambition into reality.
In this episode, Fiona Howarth sits down with Rich Tyrie, CEO of GoodPeople, to explore the growing green skills gap and what it will take to close it. From building talent pipelines to connecting local communities with meaningful work, Rich shares insights from over a decade of experience working at the intersection of employment, social impact and the energy transition.
The conversation explores why millions of workers will need to be reskilled, why the current system struggles to keep up, and why solving the skills gap is as much about coordination and collaboration as it is about education. If the transition to net zero depends on people, the real question becomes this: how do we build a workforce ready to deliver it?
In this episode you’ll learn:
Why the UK needs millions of workers to be reskilled for the energy transition
What the “green skills gap” actually means — and why it’s bigger than most people think
How labour market fragmentation makes it harder to match people with opportunities
Why many “green jobs” aren’t obvious — from scaffolders to finance roles
The difference between “dark green” and “light green” skills
Why education systems struggle to keep pace with changing workforce demands
The role of employers in shaping future talent pipelines
How social value and procurement are influencing business behaviour
Why early engagement with schools and young people is critical
How place-based approaches can unlock more inclusive access to jobs
What’s driving collaboration in regions like Greater Manchester
Practical ways individuals can explore and access green careers today
Resources & Links
Net Zero Careers – Explore green jobs, training pathways and opportunities across the UK