The UK has been a driving force for green industries, helping to develop new projects and creating a host of job opportunities. Investing in jobs that will help the UK meet its Net Zero carbon emissions target for 2050 will help deliver the government’s “levelling-up” agenda by setting the groundwork for sustainable and resilient economic growth. The future of work lies in creating a Net Zero Workforce, which encourages greener and cleaner practices while also developing innovative technologies for the next generation.
In time for post-COP26 talks, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has created a Net Zero Jobs infographic, visualising our potential careers of the future.
The green collar revolution
The prime minister’s Ten Point Plan for the “green industrial revolution" is a landmark for the future of sustainable development, supporting up to 250,000 highly skilled green jobs in the UK by 2030. It's not just job titles that are evolving; careers themselves are in flux across all sectors and industries.
The future of medtech
The Green Collar Revolution supports science and technology-related roles, opening up many opportunities for the medical technology industry.
Medical technology is the field of healthcare that deals with the development, use, or evaluation of new or improved technologies and methods to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease and illness. Its purpose is considered revolutionary in the medical field and encourages a prosperous working relationship between the medical world and the engineering world combining health and technology respectively.
The future of the medtech industry is bright and sustainable. A new era in medicine, driven by technological innovation and continuous research has given rise to exciting innovations like personalised treatments for chronic ailments as well as more advanced surgical techniques that can be performed remotely. Innovative companies are using data analysis and cutting-edge technology to create sustainable solutions that improve patient care whilst saving time and money in healthcare facilities.
The need for eco manufacturing practices is more pressing than ever, and medical devices are no exception. The growing demand for green practices within the medical industry, including multiplexing and 3D printing, will accelerate over the next 10 years; the United Nations has created a collaboration that aims to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in time for 2030.
Net Zero Jobs
The Net Zero emissions target will transform how we work and create wealth. In addition to the medtech revolution, here are nine jobs from various industries that UKRI predicts your company will need by 2030…
A stem-cell biologist
Responsibilities:
- Cultivate cells to replicate popular meat and fish products
- Ensure optimum temperatures, PH levels and conditions for growing maturity
- Improve processes to increase quality and efficiency
Net Zero transformation advisor
Responsibilities:
- Provide consultancy advice on meeting Net Zero targets
- Help clients align policies to Net Zero legislation
- Communicate Net Zero policies, processes and procedures to clients and stakeholders
- Provide education and training
- Work collaboratively with wider team and stakeholders
- Supporting the delivery of environmental strategies
Net Zero education officer
Responsibilities:
- Research and develop educational programmes and resources for schools
- Promote educational programmes
- Liaise with colleagues, teachers and community groups on the design and delivery of educational programmes
- Give talks in schools or to community groups on environmental issues
- Organise events and activities
- Draft environmental education policies and strategies
Drone satellite engineer
Responsibilities:
- Oversee environmental projects
- Analyse satellite data for different environments
- Collect and communicate data
- Drone maintenance and repair
Net Zero dietician
Responsibilities:
- Online and/or face-to-face consultations with corporate clients
- Provide advice on diet and eating habits for Net Zero
- Motivate clients to adopt more sustainable ways of eating
- Keep up to date with the latest research and data on Net Zero eating
Digital carbon trader
Responsibilities:
- Manage trading opportunities in the environmental space
- Analyse renewables markets
- Develop carbon market analysis and modelling
- Ensure trading activity complies with risk governance policies and procedures
Vertical farmer
Responsibilities:
- Growing edible leaves and soft fruits
- Analysing yield and crop quality
- Diagnosing and solving crop health issues
- Maintaining equipment
- Improving cultivation efficiency
- Data collection
Floating wind turbine engineer
Responsibilities:
- Offshore turbine services such as repair and troubleshooting
- Maintaining health and safety procedures
- Monitoring and inspection for structural analysis
- Overseeing installation and maintenance operations
Sustainability consumer labelling designer
Responsibilities:
- Design sustainable packaging innovations
- Support branding and marketing efforts
- Stay up to date with the latest in sustainable packaging research
Med-Tech Innovation Expo is the UK & Ireland’s leading event for medical device design and manufacturing technology. Taking place on 8-9 June 2022, be inspired by thought leaders and discover new solutions, materials, machines, applications and suppliers in the medtech industry.
