On Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, Katherine Whyte and Esther Jones participated in a multi-actor and multi-generational workshop hosted by Bertha Park High School, aimed at rethinking how education meets the demands of the climate transition. This multi-actor, multi-generational event brought together students, educators, academics, and industry leaders to co-create actionable pathways for climate resilience across sectors.

Climate resilience x jobs for young people

The climate crisis demands not only technological and policy innovation but also a transformation in how we educate future generations. This workshop built on the legacy of a previous event, showcasing a participative model that fosters collaboration between young people and professionals from academia and business. The goal was to identify sector-specific climate transition pathways and the skills and jobs needed to support them.

Setting the stage for change

The day began with a warm welcome from Bertha Park High School’s Depute Head Teacher, followed by an engaging icebreaker and an introduction by Katrina Cuthbertson (Bertha Park High School) and Maxine Scott (Skills Development Scotland). A panel discussion featuring young voices and Dr Lynn Wilson (University of Glasgow) reflected on the impact of the previous workshop, emphasising that young people can effect real change and bring that change to the community.

Dr. Bridget Bradley (University of St Andrews) delivered a thought-provoking talk titled “Eco Worrier, Eco Warrior,” emphasising the contrasting viewpoints and outlooks that different generations have in the climate movement.

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Vision and co-designing the future

The afternoon focused on showcasing the participative model in action. Dr Lynn Wilson and Dr Ali Karley presented sectoral visions for climate resilience in fashion and renewable energy, highlighting circular economy principles and innovations like the HydroGlen initiative—a renewable hydrogen-powered farm. Anya Kaufman (Strathclyde University) introduced the concept of meta-skills, essential for navigating the complexities of the climate transition. These include critical thinking, curiosity, collaboration, and integrity.

Participants then broke into groups that each included students, educators, academics, and industry leaders, to co-design future pathways using the STEEP framework (Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, Political). Through carousel activities and sticky-note brainstorming, groups explored drivers of change and barriers across sectors.

Jobs and skills of the future

The workshop emphasized the importance of preparing students for emerging roles in agrifood systems, renewable energy, and sustainable fashion. Insights were mapped to STEEP categories, helping participants visualise how the changes that they envisioned could shape future employment landscapes. In the closing session, each group presented their key messages for preparing schools and communities for the climate transition. A key takeaway message was that young people wanted to learn about climate transition facts and skills at an early stage in their education.

A model for the future

This workshop exemplifies how education can be a catalyst for climate action. By empowering young people to co-create solutions with experts and stakeholders, we not only prepare them for future careers but foster a generation of leaders who will ensure they build a productive and enriched society that has nature and the environment at its centre.

Funding and support

The project and the workshop was funded by the SEFARI Gateway Innovate Knowledge Exchange Fund. It was led by the James Hutton Institute, Bertha Park High School, and Skills Development Scotland, with key contributions from many others including BioSS, CREW, ClimateXChange, and University of Aberdeen.