Building Another Way: Inspiring the Next Generation of Green Careers

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The future of the countryside depends not only on protecting our landscapes but also on developing the people who care for them. As the environmental sector grows, there’s an urgent need to inspire and equip young people with the skills, confidence and imagination to build greener careers, to fill the gaps in skills shortage roles by promoting careers that care for both the countryside and the planet.

That’s where Another Way comes in – a youth-led charity helping people live with kindness towards our planet, and showing that sustainable futures start with education, empowerment and opportunity.

A youth-led movement born in the countryside

Another Way was founded in 2019 by Amy Bray, then just 16 years old, in Cumbria. Her passion for tackling plastic pollution and concern for wildlife led her to taking part in climate action from a young age, culminating in her starting Another Way to raise awareness of the environmental crisis unfolding in front of her very eyes. What started as a grassroots climate action movement in local schools and communities with tree planting and talks, has become a nationwide charity reaching communities across the whole of the UK.

From the start the message has always been one of positivity, that individual actions matter, voices can be heard and collective change multiplies. More recently the focus has been on empowering young people to find their place within the environmental space and turning their passions into meaningful action through the Power of 10 movement.

Empowering future environmental professionals

For many young people the idea of a ‘green career’ is one that seems either unattainable or maybe a little abstract. Our Green Careers work is aimed at addressing these misconceptions and bringing to life the idea that ANY career can be green! Our in-school workshops (some focused specifically on careers, others on educating about different aspects of the climate crisis) introduce ideas of sustainable living, ecology, climate science alongside skills such as communication, team work, resilience and community engagement, all transferrable ideas and skills into a role in the growing green economy!

Our Green Career specific workshops focus on the idea that a ‘green’ career can be diverse, from land management and conservation through to sustainable design, construction, education, research and policy development. Our sessions explore the variety of roles and get students to question how their future plans can have a positive impact on the planet.

Crucially, Another Way’s work highlights that green careers aren’t limited to traditional countryside jobs. We showcase how creative industries, digital communication and science outreach all have environmental applications. This approach helps broaden the perception of what it means to “work for the planet” — a vital message for young people who might not see themselves in fieldwork or ecology but still want to make a difference.

Supporting green career pathways

Recognising that enthusiasm alone isn’t enough, Another Way is building structured pathways into green careers. Our Regional Reps Programme is a structured volunteer programme aimed at 11-18 year olds who want to engage in climate action. Through this we highlight green careers and skills needed to access careers in this sector.

For older students and early-career professionals, we offer volunteering roles that build employability. Past volunteers have developed communication campaigns, designed educational materials and delivered workshops — experiences that strengthen CVs and confidence alike. Many of our volunteers have gone on to roles within the environmental sector due to the work they have done with us.

Opportunities for countryside professionals

There’s also a growing role for established countryside professionals within our network. We would love conservationists, land managers, ecologists and more to act as mentors, speakers or partners, especially to support some of our Regional Reps in their climate campaign work (where appropriate). Your insights help young people understand the realities and rewards of working in the sector.

Our Power of 10 digital community is another growth area for us, with over 1000 young people already signed up to engage in climate action conversations and use our resources including an events and opportunities calendar. This is a space where any partner can advertise their events (ideally aimed at young people), and raise awareness of any activities that can be accessed by young people wanting to learn more about green jobs. By using our online platform to connect young people nationwide, we are removing geographical barriers – a crucial step in making countryside and environmental work and green careers more inclusive.

Measuring impact and looking forward

Since 2019, Another Way, through the Power of 10 has engaged thousands of young people across the UK, many in rural or coastal communities. Our workshops have sparked new eco-clubs, inspired school sustainability projects and encouraged students to pursue environmental studies beyond school. Our Escape The Climate Crisis installation has reached nearly 5000 young people this year alone!

How to get involved

• Educators and professionals: Host workshops, share career insights or mentor young people.
• 11-18 year olds: Join the Power of 10 movement or become a Regional Rep.
• Students and early-career professionals: Explore opportunities at www.another-way.org.uk. We are often looking for new volunteers – send us an email if you like! 

   
Conclusion

As the green economy expands, the environmental sector faces both a challenge and an opportunity: how to equip and inspire the next generation to take up the baton. At Another Way we can show that this isn’t just about job creation — it’s about cultivating values, skills and communities that can sustain a thriving countryside alongside a resilient planet.

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