Blue skies, green skills: The future eco-workforce of aviation

“The transition to a net zero economy is set to create an estimated 175,000 new jobs within the transport sector alone by 2032,” says Ellis Shelton, Policy Advisor at Logistics UK. “With ‘green-skilled’ roles, including alternative fuel experts and green aerospace and hydrogen electrolysis engineers, essential to the future of air cargo operations.” 

A GREEN AMBITION  

The government has committed to decarbonising the aviation sector by 2050, as detailed in its Jet Zero Strategy, with focus placed on accelerating the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), the development of zero-emission aircrafts, and the installation of green infrastructure at airports.  

“Green skills will be fundamental for ensuring a successful transition to net zero aviation and securing the long-term future of the industry. Knowledge of eco-friendly technologies, sustainable logistics practices, and environmental regulations is needed urgently for the industry to decarbonise,” says Shelton. 

A FUTURE-READY WORKFORCE  

Research shows that by 2023 a vast majority of the current workforce will remain in the logistics industry. “This highlights a large population who could be retrained and upskilled in low and zero emission technologies; it crucial that both industry and government focus their efforts on transferring existing skills in the workforce, as well as upskilling, in addition to attracting new talent into the logistics sector,” says Shelton.  

Apprenticeships have a key part to play with many roles – including sustainable logistics apprentice, renewable energy and electric vehicle technician, and environmental compliant apprentice – available already. However, logistics businesses face challenges accessing funding to unlock apprenticeships. “Logistics UK is urging government to amend the apprenticeships levy into a training levy to allow for greater flexibility,” says Shelton. “Implementing a training levy will allow companies to solve their own skills shortages in the short term and support development at all ages from those without academic qualifications and new to work to those looking for a career change.” 

Existing initiatives and programs aimed at developing green skills in the air freight sector include the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA), and earlier this year, the Department for Transport launched a global taskforce to help build the aviation workforce and ensure that it can meet the future demands of a growing, and evolving, sector. 

CHALLENGES UNIQUE TO AVIATION 

The aviation industry is subject to strict regulations and certifications; these increase the financial burden of businesses seeking to adopt green skilled staff and, warns Shelton, can led to complications and a resistance to change. “Significant modifications need to be made to existing aviation infrastructure, a process that is both time consuming and expensive; this can stall the implementation of green technologies and in turn, the development of the eco-workforce,” says Shelton.  

“The aviation industry requires a skilled workforce to respond to the rapidly changing needs of businesses and changing workforce demographics. Collaboration between industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and government bodies is vital to promote green skills development effectively and build a sustainable future for the air freight sector,” says Shelton. “As the business organisation representing the industry, Logistics UK will continue to work with government, the aviation industry, and its members to highlight the need for green skills and seek to overcome the challenges that lie ahead on the road to decarbonisation.”  

*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns 

Published On: 13/07/2023 12:00:00

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