Gloucestershire County Council leading the way on green skills at landmark 2026 conference
With the transition to a Net Zero economy now an urgent industrial challenge, Gloucestershire County Council is bringing together key partners to tackle the critical shift in skills and workforce development.
Taking place on Wednesday 8 July, the Clean Energy and Green Skills Conference 2026 will unite educators, employers, policymakers and sustainability leaders to align the supply and demand of green skills, strengthen energy resilience, and accelerate progress towards Net Zero.
The conference will feature keynote speakers from Skills England, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and leading voices from Gloucestershire’s education and training sector, offering exclusive insight into the UK’s Clean Energy Superpower mission and the county’s role in delivering it.
The event will also mark the launch of the Gloucestershire Green Skills Strategy (2026–2030), setting out a bold vision to position the county as a national leader in green workforce development, including plans for a Federated Green Skills Faculty and a Retrofit Centre of Excellence.
Confirmed speakers include Tanya Lawes (Skills England), Professor Matt Reed and Clare Marchant (University of Gloucestershire), and Professor Rachel Wilde (University College London), with further contributors from Gloucestershire’s education providers and partner organisations.
For careers advisers, teachers and educators, the conference offers a valuable opportunity to explore the rapidly growing Net Zero sector and gain first-hand insight into emerging career pathways. Attendees will hear directly from practitioners, installers, academics and policy makers, helping them better support young people into future careers and contribute to the innovation and growth of the sector.
Whether you are an educator, employer, student or policymaker, this conference offers a unique opportunity to engage with the ideas, partnerships and actions shaping Gloucestershire’s green future.
Cllr Julian Tooke, cabinet member for business, economic development, planning and infrastructure, said: “Gloucestershire is well placed to play a leading role in the shift to a greener economy. By bringing partners together at this conference, we can make sure our skills and training offer matches the needs of employers. That will help attract investment, create good jobs and strengthen our local economy for the future.”
Cllr Linda Cohen, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “We want every young person and adult in Gloucestershire to be able to access the training they need to succeed in a changing jobs market. The Clean Energy and Green Skills Conference is a great chance to share ideas and learn from others, and I’m looking forward to speaking about the important role education can play in supporting the move to Net Zero.”
The conference is being hosted by the county council and will take place at the University of Gloucestershire City Campus, Gloucester. For more information see: Green Skills Conference 2026 | Gloucestershire County Council
Businesses and organisations interested in exhibiting can email greenskills@gloucestershire.gov.uk to secure a space.
Book your place today and be part of the transition to a greener Gloucestershire here: Clean Energy & Green Skills Conference 2026 Tickets, Wednesday 8 July • 9 AM - 4 PM | Eventbrite