Produced through the Local Policy Lab programme, this report examines the current state of green skills provision across Oxfordshire and how effectively it aligns with employer demand, climate objectives and pathways into employment. Drawing on a countywide skills inventory and interviews with stakeholders from education, business, local government and the voluntary sector, it highlights Oxfordshire’s strengths in clean energy and construction training while identifying significant gaps in nature-based skills, technical mid-level roles and progression pathways. The report also explores barriers facing young people, career changers and disadvantaged groups, including transport, awareness, affordability and access to work experience. It concludes with practical recommendations to improve system coordination, strengthen employer demand and capacity, and create clearer, more inclusive routes into green careers across the county.
Some key findings include:
• Oxfordshire has a strong foundation in clean energy, retrofit and green construction training.
• However, provision is heavily concentrated in these sectors, with significantly less training available in nature recovery, biodiversity and sustainable land management.
• The biggest gap sits in the "technical middle" with very limited provision for Level 4-5 roles such as retrofit coordinators, assessors and advisers, despite these being critical to delivery.
• Stakeholders highlighted that the challenge is not simply a shortage of training. There is a wider disconnect between education, employer demand, regulation, business readiness and career pathways.
• Accessibility remains a major issue. Transport, cost of living, digital exclusion, lack of awareness and reliance on unpaid experience continue to limit access for many young people and those furthest from the labour market.
A key message from the report is that creating a greener economy is not just about delivering more courses. It requires stronger coordination across the system, greater employer capacity to absorb green skills, and clearer pathways from education into good quality jobs.
This report was made possible by the University of Oxford team, project fellows Anna Luiza Barbosa and Kin Thazin, Professor James Robson, and the many stakeholders who generously contributed their time and insights.
You can read a summary report or download the full report below.
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