A Change Agents UK Alumni story

Meet Erika,

She helped progress her career through attending the Skills Bootcamp in Sustainability and Environmental Management, delivered by us (Change Agents UK) and PECT. 

Before starting the course, she was working as a receptionist. Whilst she enjoyed the people-focused aspect of the job, she had a growing interest in sustainability, especially as she was working in the David Attenborough Building, surrounded by organisations focused on conservation, research, and environmental action.

Erika is now working as a Sustainability & Projects Assistant for CCI Services. The Skills Bootcamp played a big role in helping her move into this role, as it gave her a much stronger understanding of sustainability and reframed the way she thinks about environmental issues, particularly in relation to building operations and how sustainability can be integrated into the running of complex shared workspace. It's also great that her managers were incredibly supportive throughout and encouraged her to take part in the course.

After attending the course we caught up with Erika and asked her whether she thought the course helped her meet her life or career goals.

Erika said: "The course has had a real impact on both my personal life and career. It changed the way I think about sustainability day-to-day, and I now apply a lot of what I learned at home by making more sustainable and holistic choices in my everyday habits and decision making. Professionally, the course gave me the confidence to pursue a career more closely aligned with my interests and values, and it directly supported my progression into a sustainability focused role. It helped turn what was originally just an interest into a genuine career path."

We also asked her if she had been given the opportunity to use knowledge from the Skills bootcamp in her new role. Erika said: "Yes, definitely. In my current role I regularly use knowledge and skills from the bootcamp, particularly when looking at sustainability within building operations, waste management, biodiversity initiatives, and tenant engagement. The course gave me a much stronger understanding of the wider environmental impact of everyday operational decisions, which has been really valuable in my work at CCI Services. It also helped me feel more confident contributing ideas and taking on projects related to sustainability."

Finally, we asked Erika what her advice would be to others seeking a green job. She said: "My advice to others seeking a green job would be to stay open minded and curious, as the sector is broad and there are many entry points beyond what you might initially expect. Building knowledge through courses or training is really helpful, but it’s just as important to get practical experience wherever possible, even in roles that aren’t strictly ‘green’ at first. Talk to people already working in the sector, ask questions, and make use of any opportunities to partake in green projects."

Erika is a great example of internal progression within a workplace and the benefits of upskilling. If you'd like to upskill like Erika, why not join one of our upcoming Carbon Literacy or Sustainability Leadership Skills courses.

The Skills Bootcamp in Sustainability and Environmental Management is actually made up from Carbon Literacy, SLSP plus a few other elements... so by joining one of our upcoming courses you'd be benefiting from the same training Erika undertook!

Want to learn more about how upskilling can benefit your career options? Get in touch with us at any time. We'd love to hear from you.