JM to help inspire the next generation in Green Skills Week

Providing skills and understanding around the green economy

With a strong foothold in the green economy, Johnson Matthey (JM) is teaming up with social mobility charity, Speakers for Schools, in support of their campaign, Green Skills Week, to introduce young people to green skills.

Taking place in April, Green Skills Week will give young people aged 11+ from all over the UK the chance to gain invaluable experience and opportunities with Britain's most environmentally focused employers.

Preparing young people for a career in science

The campaign aligns with the UK Government's ten point plan for a green industrial revolution laid out in November , as it will offer the skills and understanding around the green economy to help prepare the next generation for a career in science. Participants will gain knowledge of the green economy, self belief in their green skills abilities and an improved attitude towards science and making positive contribution for the green economy.

JM to give virtual talks and host a green skills technical challenge

JM's role in the campaign will be to demonstrate the importance of green skills and sustainable technologies through several virtual talks, and JM's experts will be delivering three sessions to 130 young people on three essential topics: reaching net zero, clean air for all and the efficient use of the world's natural resources.

We'll also be hosting a special green skills virtual technical challenge in which 70 of the 130 students will participate. Participants will work in small groups to present an idea for a new piece of green technology relating to either: reaching net zero, clean air for all or the efficient use of the world's natural resources. Judging and scoring their projects will be a panel of top industry experts (see graphic below).

On taking part in this exciting campaign, Liz Rowsell, JM’s Corporate R&D Director, and one of the judges for the virtual challenge, said:

“It’s great to be working with Speakers for Schools again and to support young people at a difficult time. Green Skills Week and other similar campaigns will be so important in tackling the unemployment crisis and future-proofing the next generation in a post-COVID economy. JM’s vision is for a cleaner, healthier world, and sustainability is built into our strategy, governance and values so we’re delighted we can contribute to a campaign that resonates strongly with who we are and what we do.”