1. Careers
your questions answered
❱❱ I’ve heard a lot in the press about job
security in green-technology sectors.
Is it possible to green-proof my career? people on
the move
If the future is a colour it’s definitely familiarise yourself with include:
© GENE CHUTKA
green. Organisations of all sizes and • Climate change and its impacts ❱❱ John Shook
sectors are looking to better under- • Legislative and regulatory John Shook has been appointed
stand and lessen their environmental developments CEO of the Lean Enterprise Institute
impact, and individuals that • New technological innovations in the US, after its founder James
can help that process will • Concepts of green business and Womack stepped down. John has
prove to be valuable its economics. been with the institute since its
staff members. As more organisations integrate their creation in 1997 and was previously
Alongside this management systems, it is becoming a senior advisor at the organisation.
general greening easier for those with a traditional qual-
of business there ity background to get more involved ❱❱ AJit Shetty
is also a clean- with environmental management Johnson & Johnson has created a
technology systems such as ISO 14001, PAS 2050 new position to oversee company-
revolution that is and EN 16001. wide quality, manufacturing and
being vaunted If your current organisation has an compliance issues after the com-
by politicians environmental management system, pany was hit by a spate of recalls
and entrepre- why not speak to those in charge and of non-prescription medicines.
neurs as the possi- learn more? You may get involved Ajit Shetty has been named as the
ble saviour of future with internal assessments, and gain healthcare giant’s corporate vice-
economies. Business experience and knowledge. Or you president to oversee the push for
secretary Vince Cable could look into initiating a green quality improvements.
said: “Green technology is a project within your organisation, team
potential source of huge opportunity or department, as you’ll gain a greater ❱❱ Stephen Green
for Britain. The government is sup- understanding of the real-world chal- HSBC chairman Stephen Green is
porting development in a variety of lenges of sustainable working through to leave the bank after 28 years to
renewable energy technologies and researching and writing a proposal. take up a ministerial position in the
environmentally-friendly vehicles.” Increasing your knowledge of a coalition government. As UK min-
While it’s not possible to guarantee subject is key to moving into any new ister for trade and investment, he
job security in any sector, with gov- sector, as is finding what works best is to focus on forging new interna-
ernment support the future does look for you. For some people, a career tional trade links, promoting British
bright for green industries. Anyone break and retraining might appeal, business overseas and maximising
thinking about moving into an environ- but for others a part-time qualification inward investment in the UK.
mentally focused role, whether in the or a short course at work might be
private or public sector, will need more appropriate. One of the best re- ❱❱ neStA
more than a passing interest in envi- sources is other people. Professional The UK’s National Endowment for
ronmental issues. It is a fast-moving, online networks such as LinkedIn are Science, Technology and the Arts
highly innovative sector and keeping a great way to talk to people already has announced the appointment of
on top of the latest trends, issues and working in the green sector and to two new trustees: Sir David Hen-
legislation is crucial. Things to discover new opportunities. shaw and John Sheldrick. David is
chairman of NHS Northwest and
the First Minister’s Advisory Group
on Public Service Delivery for the
Welsh Assembly. John retired as
please email your useful links group finance director of Johnson
career questions www.greentech.co.uk Matthey plc in September 2009
and job moves to www.greenjobsonline.co.uk after 19 years. He is currently a
editorial@thecqi.org www.thecqi.org/jobs non-executive director of GKN.
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