With COP26 in full swing, all things environment and climate change are on the brain, with many of us looking at our houses and routines to try and figure out how we can make more sustainable choices. Leading online tutoring platform, MyTutor, has reported an 82% increase YoY in children taking up science tutoring lessons, as more and more students are becoming interested in our environment and planet. It’s interesting to note this huge jump in uptake of science tutorials as climate change is being spoken about more and more.

As the UK enters UCAS application season, students at Sixth Form and even GCSE level will be questioning what path they want to take after school. MyTutor has commissioned research examining the nation’s attitudes towards further education, finding that 43% of parents agree that their child’s self-esteem is linked to the grades they achieve at school and university. However, university is not the only route that will lead teens onto a successful career in the future. MyTutor also found that nearly two thirds – 62% – of parents say university is not the only path they are recommending to their child after their school career, as it is not essential for them to get a good job.

In light of COP26, MyTutor has put together some options for children who want to pursue a green career without a university degree:
1. Farmer or agriculture worker
Organic, sustainable food options are in high demand. Farmers using organic and regenerative methods directly affect the environmental footprint of agriculture. The rise of home delivery services and farmers markets means food delivery drivers and market vendors can be involved in making food and agriculture more sustainable.

2. Sustainable restaurant & food service industry worker

A job in an eco-friendly restaurant is a great place to grow a green career. This may be in the form of an organic only kitchen, or zero waste. This will require no previous skills or a degree and is a fantastic way to make a difference to our planet.

3. Green construction worker
There is a growing desire for green homes and buildings so there are a wealth of jobs available in sustainable construction. Teens who enjoy practical work and working with their hands may consider an entry level construction job which will give on-the-job experience and training.

4. Park or forest worker
Working in parks or national trust areas is a lovely way to experience nature while protecting it. Park and green space maintenance makes outdoor spaces enjoyable for the public and helps to mitigate the detriment of climate change in local communities. If your teen can’t find any entry-level paid parks jobs, they should look for volunteer opportunities to gain experience and expand their network.

5. Eco hospitality jobs
Much like the restaurant industry, there are often entry-level jobs in hospitality that enable you to experience whilst you’re on the job. Green hotels and eco-tourism experiences help to reduce the negative effects of the tourism industry. Once you’ve gained experience perhaps working in housekeeping, maintenance, customer service, or guiding tours, there’s room for growth into management and supervisor jobs.

Bertie Hubbard, co-founder of MyTutor, comments on the pastoral care the platform can provide:

“Teens are in more need than ever for some support and reassurance with their studies, and that’s exactly what our tutors offer. Our tutors are all from UK universities, and because they’re just a few years older they can easily relate to what teens are going through. With their dedicated one-to-one support, teens get some much-needed reassurance and come out with a stronger self-belief – 88% say that lessons made them feel more confident.

Rather than replacing teachers with robots, the biggest power of EdTech lies in enhancing person-to-person learning. At MyTutor, we provide online tuition that raises kids’ grades, boosts confidence and helps them fulfil their potential in life. Because it’s online, kids get access to amazing tutors from across the country, rather than whoever’s nearby. As there’s no travel for the student or the tutors, it also saves time and money travelling – reducing the cost and stress involved for parents.”