Green jobs: upskilling for employment

City of Trees’ green jobs programme builds on the success of the Citizen Forester initiative, converting volunteering opportunities into paid employment. Through tailored training and partnerships, it empowers individuals from non-traditional backgrounds to get involved in green jobs, building a skilled workforce to support urban nature recovery across Greater Manchester.

By focusing on upskilling participants, the programme gives people the tools they need to pursue careers in forestry or enhance their employability in other fields. City of Trees works with lots of partner organisations and job and skill agencies across Greater Manchester – such as the New to Nature programme – to create opportunities for people with varying needs and backgrounds. It’s all about creating opportunities for those who may not have always felt a career in forestry is for them.

Training for success

The Roots to Work project was a 12-week funded green jobs programme that provided participants with hands-on training in conservation at Cob Kiln Lane, Urmston. Designed for those without any practical environmental or conservation experience, the course covered essential green skills, CV preparation and signposting for further opportunities. This course was a great way to help people take their first steps toward a career in environmental conservation.

In-house opportunities

In early 2024, City of Trees launched its own contractor team. Working with job centres, housing providers and other local charities, City of Trees employed seven new foresters, including a former volunteer who has since become an assistant crew manager.

In December 2024, the City of Trees in-house contractor team planted 32 standards at seven fire stations across Greater Manchester. Credit: City of Trees

The team travels across all sites in Greater Manchester, from local authority land and parks, to isolated private landowners on the fringes of the region. It plants trees that aren’t suitable for Citizen Forester volunteering events, as well as maintaining existing woodlands that have been planted. Having the team means there is far less reliance on external contractors, it builds the status of City of Trees as a trusted delivery partner, and keeps resources and skills within the city region.

A skilled workforce for the future

By addressing skill gaps and fostering diversity, the green jobs programme from City of Trees builds a resilient workforce ready to support urban nature recovery.

Be part of the Northern Forest

Want to plant trees? Whether you’re creating new woodland or extending an existing site, you can reap a whole host of extra benefits.

• Boost biodiversity.
• Provide shelter.
• Protect your soil.
• Fight flooding.

Your new trees could be part of the Northern Forest and make a difference for people, wildlife and the environment in the North of England.