L-R: Deborah Cairns-Stoll from e4environment and Andy Goff – this was the 100th interview for Career Cards
A national week has highlighted eco friendly Shropshire businesses stepping up and making a difference for future generations.
National Green Careers Week aimed to help teachers and young people get to grips with emerging technologies and careers that will change the world for the better.
And in Shropshire there are plenty of businesses doing just that.
Electric vehicle charging specialists EVC, based in Newport, eco-friendly material Jesmonite in Bishop’s Castle, renewable energy and battery specialists AceOn Group at Stafford Park in Telford, e4environment from Nesscliffe, Halls rural surveyors, Ludlow-based Agrii large agronomy business supporting farmers and Nature’s Safe – a charity founded and supported by the owner of Whitchurch based Stallion AI – are some of those stepping up to help future generations.
These businesses have all signed up to Career Cards – an initiative aimed at showing Shropshire the career possibilities in the county and putting them directly in touch with those working in that industry.
Bosses at these green conscious companies are among 100 across the county who have featured on cards which have been placed in schools for students to pick up with details of a role, local employers and a scannable QR code to take the pupil to videos on the Career Cards’ website, recorded by that employer, to find out more.
Increasingly the Career Cards stations are being put in communal areas at schools across Shropshire, with positive feedback, such as Telford Priory School, The Marches School in Oswestry, The Priory School in Shrewsbury and William Brookes in Much Wenlock.
Shrewsbury-based Andy Goff, who has developed the cards, is very proud to be connecting these environmentally friendly companies with future talented generations coming through county schools.
He said: “These companies are making a difference to the planet and ensuring we help leave this world in a better position. That is a huge concern for teenagers and I am proud to be able to put them in touch with people who can help them to make a difference but also help them find a career they are passionate about.
“Green Careers Week is a great opportunity to highlight the incredible work Shropshire companies are doing. The initiative was designed to highlight the amazing career pathways young people can follow to improve the future climate and I am pleased that Career Cards can help do just that.”
The the second annual Green Careers Week ran from November 6 to 11 and was supported by partners including STEM Learning, UK Space Agency, National Careers Service, the DfE and the CEC
It was launched after a global survey conducted by Bath University in 2021 revealed that around 60% of young people are ‘worried’ or ‘extremely worried’ about climate change.
Career Cards feature a variety of businesses and have been designed for students to simply pick them up and get a direct link to a role in their desired industry straight away.
Other businesses that have already signed up include some in the communications, automotive, construction, creative, manufacturing, healthcare and agricultural industries.
The videos students can watch include more information about what that person does on a day to day basis, what they like about their job and the different pathways to it, including university, apprenticeships and other avenues.
Andy added: “We want to keep the talent here in Shropshire and we will only achieve that by ensuring students understand the opportunities right here on their doorstep in the very early stages of their future career planning.
“It is wonderful to see students picking up Career Cards and taking them home to discuss with their parents.
“Careers Cards was born here in Shropshire but is increasingly building up nationally, with schools in other parts of the country becoming involved – as we grow every card station will be individual to the particular region it is placed in.”
If you would like to connect and promote your business with the younger generations in schools and their families visit https://www.career.cards/ or email Andy Goff on [email protected] to find out more.
