Responsible business network Business in the Community Northern Ireland (BITC) today hosted a Ministerial Lunch at Breda Academy, bringing together representatives from government, education and business to mark the culmination of the Generation Green Schools pilot and to explore how green skills and career pathways for young people can be strengthened across Northern Ireland.

Funded by SSE Airtricity through the Generation Green Community Fund, the programme has run throughout the 2025–26 academic year, reaching 44 schools across 11 council areas and engaging more than 1,000 pupils. Students took part in a four-module programme designed to build knowledge and confidence in key areas of sustainability, supported by STEM-based challenges, sustainability projects and in-school visits from green professionals, helping pupils see first-hand what careers in sustainability look like in practice.

Before taking part, 29% of students said they understood what types of green jobs exist. After completing the programme, that figure rose to 81%.

Dr Lisa McIlvenna, Managing Director, Business in the Community Northern Ireland, said: “If we want to build a more sustainable future and economy, we need to help young people understand where green careers exist, why they matter and how they can see themselves in them. Business in the Community is uniquely placed to bring schools and business together to develop green skills for the future workforce.”

The lunch included an address from Minister Andrew Muir, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and a facilitated discussion chaired by Stephen Gallagher, Managing Director of SSE Airtricity. The discussion focused on the action needed to accelerate green skills development and ensure all young people have access to future-focused career pathways.

Minister Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, said: “Equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to play their part in the transition to a low carbon economy is vital. Generation Green Schools is a strong example of how collaboration between education and industry can help inspire the next generation and open up greater awareness of the career opportunities that a greener economy can offer.”

Stephen Gallagher, Managing Director, SSE Airtricity, said: ““Through the Generation Green Community Fund, we are committed to supporting communities to play an active role in the transition to a more sustainable future.

“Generation Green Schools is a strong example of how that support can empower young people with the knowledge and confidence to engage with sustainability and better understand the opportunities available to them. Programmes like this show the important role collaboration can play in building the skills needed for the future.”

Sarah Glasgow, Head of Geography Department and Employability Coordinator at Breda Academy, which took part in Generation Green Schools, said: Educators know how important it is to connect classroom learning with real-world experience. Engagement with employers through Generation Green Schools has helped our pupils better understand green careers and see how their learning can translate into future opportunities.

“At Breda Academy, we prioritise developing the personal and practical skills students need to succeed now and in the future, and it is our ambition that they will be ‘Learners Today and Leaders Tomorrow’, going on to become change-makers who help shape a better future for Northern Ireland and beyond.”

Find out more at www.bitcni.org.uk/greenschools.