The growing availability of green jobs in the UK economy presents a profound opportunity for the UK’s workforce. However, initial evidence suggests that women are at risk of being left behind. To understand what might prevent women from working in green roles, researchers interviewed 16 women, ranging from current students to experienced professionals. They were particularly interested to find out what barriers might exist for women with existing STEM skills, qualifications or experience.

In Nesta and the Behavioural Insights Team’s recent research on improving the appeal of green skills and training, the researchers found that women were significantly less interested in 'green' skills than men.

The researcher team held semi-structured interviews with 16 women who were actively searching for a job or about to start a new qualification and who were not currently working in a green job to understand drivers of the gender gap.

The research addressed four central research questions about women’s awareness, perceptions, and interest in green jobs.

The researchers found that while many women’s perceptions of green roles were positive, certain perceptual barriers hindered some of them from wanting to work in one. For example, many participants had not heard of green jobs and, even among those with STEM experience, several women felt that they did not have the right experience or qualifications to get a job in a green industry.