Green Teens: more than half are interested in working in the environment
By Contributor
Survey results released recently by Canon Canada reveal that 56 per cent of Canadian teens are interested in a career in the environment, but close to the same amount (51 per cent) aren’t clear on the career opportunities available to them.
The survey, conducted by Harris/Decima on behalf of Canon Canada, polled 1,001 teens across Canada. The new research shows that while 68 per cent of teens surveyed believe jobs in the environmental sector are increasing, they don’t feel they know enough about the types of jobs available.
In fact, 88 per cent agree that more access to information about environmental jobs is needed.
ECO Canada is a national, not-for-profit organization that works to ensure an adequate supply of people with the appropriate skills and knowledge are available to meet the human resource needs of the environmental sector.
The organization believes this lack of information is a concern for Canada’s green economy.
“With more than 100,000 environmental sector workers expected to retire within the decade, there are huge opportunities ahead and a shortage of skilled labour to fill the demand,” says Janelle Thomlinson, Director of Research and Communications at ECO Canada, which provides environmental career resources for teachers and students. “Today’s teens need more resources and guidance to educate them about the types of jobs available if they want to pursue a green career path.”
The survey showed that just 12 per cent of Canadian teens currently participate in extra-curricular activities that are focused on the environment, yet a full 86 per cent want more access to environmental activities in their community, said Colleen Ryan, Senior Director of Corporate Communications at Canon Canada.
Here is a snapshot of additional key findings from the Canadian teen survey:
- 85 per cent of teens surveyed had started to seriously think about their career path already, including 67 per cent of grade nine students
- 51 per cent consider job availability when choosing a future career path
- Of those who are interested in an environmental career, 69 per cent cite making the world a better place as the reason
- One third (35 per cent) of Canadian teens learn about possible career paths from their extra-curricular activities
- 77 per cent agree that participating in environmental extracurricular activities would help with their decision about whether to pursue a green career
