Groundwork has announced a new partnership with Environmental Services & Solutions Expo (ESS), the leading event for the environmental services industry.

Together, they will focus on addressing the growing skills shortage in green jobs and encouraging more young people to pursue careers that protect the planet.

Through events and outreach initiatives this year, ESS and Groundwork will shine a spotlight on the critical need for skills development in areas like waste and recycling, water, renewable energy, environmental consulting, and more. Groundwork will have an active presence at ESS Expo 2024 on 11-12 September this year at the NEC Birmingham, including speaking sessions on nurturing green talent and overcoming employment barriers.


As part of this year's event, Groundwork experts will headline its ESS 2040: Green Skills webinar this April focused on sustainability education and readying the next generation of green workers. The charity will also host an informational stand at ESS Expo, dedicated to training programmes, apprenticeships, and entry-level openings.

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: "It's great to see this new partnership with ESS Expo to help encourage and support young people to see the benefits of pursuing a career in the green skills sector. It's vital that green infrastructure and low carbon jobs are both an accessible and exciting prospect in order for us to future-proof the workforce of tomorrow and build a more sustainable future for all."

Ali McQueen, Head of Marketing at ESS Expo, said: "We're delighted to announce this timely collaboration with Groundwork. With its dedication to creating greener communities and our network across the environmental industry, we feel strongly that together we can make tangible progress on the urgent issue of the green skills gap, as well as help tackle other important challenges in our combined sectors."

ESS Expo will be returning to the NEC Birmingham from 11-12 September 2024.