As Greater Manchester works toward its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2038, the region is rapidly becoming a national leader in green skills development. Key players across education, infrastructure, and energy are joining forces to equip the next generation with the tools, knowledge, and experience needed to drive a sustainable future.
At the heart of this transformation is the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc), an innovative technical education pathway designed to connect young people to careers in the green economy. Alongside this, industry leaders like Morgan Sindall and Electricity North West are pioneering practical training programs, apprenticeships, and carbon literacy initiatives that put sustainability into action.
Morgan Sindall
Morgan Sindall Construction is making a tangible impact in Manchester through a new partnership with The Message in Wythenshawe. Focused on enhancing biodiversity, increasing access to green space, and delivering positive social outcomes, the initiative reflects a growing emphasis on sustainability and community legacy within the construction sector.The project forms part of Morgan Sindall’s Project Carbon Award, launched in 2023 as a component of their Responsible Business Strategy. Through this award, £10,000 was invested in 14 grassroots projects across the UK, in collaboration with environmental charity Groundwork UK. The aim is to deliver lasting environmental and social value to communities that need it most.Staff involvement has also played a key role, with employees volunteering on-site, an experience many described as deeply rewarding and beneficial for team morale and wellbeing. The initiative complements Morgan Sindall’s wider efforts to support green skills development through national programmes like the Net Zero Skills Centre and virtual sustainability work experiences for young people.As more projects roll out across the North West, this approach signals a broader shift toward construction practices that not only aim for net-zero but also empower local communities and leave a positive legacy on the ground
Manchester City Council
The Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) is a forward-thinking educational framework developed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. It's designed to bridge the gap between education and the region’s key growth sectors, particularly focusing on technical careers that don’t require a traditional university degree. One of the standout features of the MBacc is its clear commitment to green skills, especially through the Construction and the Green Economy gateway.
This pathway prepares students aged 14+ for careers that contribute directly to Greater Manchester’s ambition of becoming a net-zero carbon city region by 2038. It emphasises:
Sustainable Construction Methods: Teaching students about environmentally friendly building techniques, materials, and practices.
Engineering for Sustainability: Equipping learners with knowledge in low-carbon technologies and how to integrate them into infrastructure.
Design & Technology: Encouraging innovation in building design with a focus on efficiency and carbon reduction.
Digital and Scientific Skills: Using data and technology to enhance green decision-making in construction.
The MBacc is developed in partnership with employers, training providers, and local education leaders, ensuring that the skills it delivers are relevant and in-demand. It also supports routes into apprenticeships and work placements, aligning closely with partners like Morgan Sindall’s own offerings, such as green-skills-focused apprenticeships and virtual work experiences.
Electricity North West
Electricity North West (ENW) plays a pivotal role in advancing green skills across Greater Manchester, complementing initiatives like the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) and Morgan Sindall’s sustainability-focused programs.
ENW is a key partner in the Green Skills Academy, and is the first of its kind in the North. This academy provides state-of-the-art training facilities and courses focused on green technologies, supporting Greater Manchester's ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2038. Electricity North West collaborates with the academy to drive its green skills agenda and encourages other businesses to adopt similar approaches.
Over the last decade, Electricity North West has welcomed nearly 200 apprentices through its award-winning scheme, offering roles in various departments, including vegetation management and civil engineering. These apprenticeships combine classroom learning with on-the-job training, equipping participants with the skills needed for the energy sector's transition to net zero.
As well as apprenticeships, they have developed a carbon literacy training program for its employees, aiming to achieve the Carbon Literate Gold Standard by 2028. This initiative raises awareness and motivates staff to reduce carbon emissions, aligning with the company's goal to lead the Northwest to net zero.
Greater Manchester’s journey to a net zero future relies not only on innovation and investment, but on the businesses that deliver it. Through the combined efforts of the MBacc, Morgan Sindall, and Electricity North West, the region is laying the foundation for a workforce equipped with the green skills needs to power a sustainable-led city-region.