Learn more about The Green Internship Scheme.
The Green Internship Scheme is a priority project in the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan (CESAP), led by Zero Waste Scotland with support from Skills Development Scotland (SDS). The aim of the scheme is to "upskill the young workforce on circular economy and net-zero, whilst supporting employment opportunities", and we are committed to offering the Scheme to all communities across the whole of Scotland.
As part of the scheme, Zero Waste Scotland worked with City of Glasgow College to develop the Net-Zero Pathway course, CPD-certified online learning which takes roughly 6-8 hours to complete. This training includes three modules:
- What is Net Zero?
- What is the Circular Economy?
- Developing a Net-Zero Plan?
The Net-Zero Pathway makes for an ideal introduction to sustainability as a whole but has proven beneficial for those with experience in environmental subjects, providing insightful case studies and useful resources to effectively embed intended learning outcomes.
While the project is named the Green ‘Internship’ Scheme, we are in the process of expanding this training opportunity out to other audiences, including e.g., employability programmes and Apprenticeships. Please get in touch for more information (details below) if your organisation or group would like to get involved.
Access the training
An access key is required to be able to register for the training - if your organisation would like to be involved or for more information see FAQs below or please contact Deborah Mooney, Consultant (Education & Skills): deborah.mooney@zerowastescotland.org.uk
FAQ's
What is required of interns taking part in the Scheme?
Ideally, interns complete the Net-Zero Pathway before beginning an internship or during the start of their internship. The course aims to not only expand learners' knowledge of the Circular Economy (CE) and net-zero, but also enables them to have a more sustainable mindset, in their lives and careers moving forward.
What do interns gain at the end of the Net-Zero Pathway training?
As mentioned above, the training is CPD-certified, meaning participants can add the training to their CV and they also receive a completion certificate when the course is completed.
What are the benefits for my organisation?
Any job/role can have an impact on sustainability and there are opportunities to reach net-zero in all fields and industries. People entering the workforce now tend to have a greater focus on being more environmentally friendly and they also value employers who hold the same ideals. Being part of the Green Internship Scheme is a great way to highlight your organisation's commitment to sustainability to potential employees/stakeholders.
What is required of my organisation to take part in the scheme?
Participation involves providing the access key to interns to allow them to complete the Net-Zero Pathway. If your organisation is hosting an intern, allowing them time to undertake the training during their working hours has been shown to be highly beneficial. We may also seek to contact you for feedback on the experience, to allow us to make improvements to the Scheme where necessary, but this is entirely optional.
Green skills for sustainable futures
Climate change and its direct effect on our lives drive what we need to do now and for our future.
