The winners of a competition to inspire south Bristol pupils into green careers were announced by Metro Mayor Dan Norris at the University of the West of England.
Over 60 year 10 pupils at four schools south of the river have been busy putting the finishing touches to their presentations on the green jobs on offer to them as part of a programme funded by Mr Norris’s West of England Authority to encourage more pupils to choose green careers.
Mr Norris judged the presentations given by students on the fabulous planet-saving careers on offer across the West of England, and the skills they need to get one, resulting in “golden ticket” prizes including books, chargers and vouchers being handed out.
Students have been taking part in sessions about how to build a successful career that helps the planet after Merchants’ Academy, Bedminster Down School, Oasis Academy John Williams and Bridge Learning Campus won a £15,000 grant from the West of England Authority.
All 60 pupils who took part in Mr Norris’s “South Bristol Green Futures” programme also received a special recognition award for their excellent contributions across the six-month programme at the ceremony attended by top West of England green firms including EDF and Wessex Water.
Ahead of the event, Metro Mayor Dan Norris said the project is about “engaging young people to help us make the West of England one of the greenest and cleanest regions across the country”. Mr Norris said: “It is vital young people are shown they can have a career working to solve the biggest problem that faces our West of England region, and humanity - the climate crisis. I'm pleased a £45,000 cash injection from my Combined Authority is helping inspire young Bristolians to get involved in climate action by identifying and accessing good-quality green jobs. It is incredibly moving to see so many proud parents, friends and families beam with pride as they watch their children receive the recognition they deserve for all the brilliant work they’ve done these past few months. This celebration is testament to the leadership provided by Merchants’ Academy, Bedminster Down School, Oasis Academy John Williams and Bridge Learning Campus who are real trailblazers here. I am confident that this programme has inspired this generation of Bristolians by giving them the very first step into their green career, and I hope to use their success to roll out this green careers programme much further across the West”.
