The City of Nature Plan has two specific actions for the Council and the orgainsations they work in partnership with regarding “green” training and employment ambitions.
F5: A training and employment showcase of opportunities in the ‘green sector’.
Actions for the next five years:
- Develop an annual Green Jobs & Skills Fair in partnership with local colleges, universities, employers, and Alliance members, hosted in a high-profile park.
- Create a digital hub (website or microsite) highlighting green training, apprenticeships, and employment pathways across Birmingham.
- Partner with local schools to run career awareness sessions in parks, linking classroom learning to real-world environmental roles.
- Offer taster days and work shadowing with organisations such as Ranger Services, Wildlife Trust, and green social enterprises.
- Collect and share success stories of people moving into green jobs from Birmingham communities, to inspire others.
F6: A green space workforce more reflective of Birmingham’s diverse communities.
Actions for the next five years:
- Introduce targeted recruitment campaigns within underrepresented communities, using trusted local networks, community centres, and faith groups.
- Provide entry-level training and apprenticeships in partnership with the Ranger Service and Friends Groups, reducing barriers to first-time applicants.
- Develop mentorship and peer-support schemes where experienced green space staff mentor new recruits from diverse backgrounds.
- Ensure all training and employment pathways include inclusive practices e.g., flexible hours, accessible learning, culturally sensitive outreach.
- Track and publish diversity metrics in the green workforce annually to measure progress and maintain accountability.
- Celebrate role models from diverse backgrounds already working in the sector through media, talks, and school outreach.
Jane Finlay talks about why she chose Landscape Architecture as a profession.
Naturally Birmingham Future Parks Project 