New energy

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship

University

You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification that includes units on corporate responsibility and sustainability, for example:

• environment and sustainability
• energy and engineering
• transport and logistics
• economics
• community development
• business management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could take a course in environmental sustainability or business management.

This may help you get some of the knowledge and skills you need to apply for trainee or apprenticeship roles.

Apprenticeship

You could begin by doing a:

• Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Sustainability Business Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships can take between 2 and 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships

Volunteering and work experience

An understanding of the role of sustainability is highly valued by employers and you may have an advantage if you have experience of fundraising, working with volunteers or volunteering yourself.

You can find opportunities through the National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) or Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability to:gain professional recognition; find training opportunities; make industry contacts

Further information

You can discover more about sustainability work and training through the Green Careers Hub.

View all vacancies in this region

You could work for private companies, non-government organisations, charities or public bodies.

With experience you could move to more senior positions either within your own organisation or by switching to a larger company.

You might also work as a consultant, specialising in particular regulatory areas, such as net zero, modern slavery, or social and environmental impact assessments.