Numbers qualifying in environmental management more than double

Figures released this week by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) show over the last two years the number people registering with the board for environmental management qualifications has risen by almost 150 per cent. The figures confirm a growing trend in the number of people seeking sustainability-linked professional education and training in the UK. According to a report on sustainable business published in September, there’s been a 33 per cent rise over the past five years in green training and education.

The NEBOSH data shows that in 2009, around 1,100 people registered with the board for an environmental qualification. In 2010 that number rose to almost 2,200. Registrations in 2011 so far indicate a further rise to around 2,700.

"Our figures show that more and more people are seeking a specialist qualification to go with their environmental management responsibilities," said Teresa Budworth, chief executive at NEBOSH.

Rising trend
Analysing data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, NEBOSH, and the Society for the Environment, the 'Sustainable Business 2011’ report concluded that over the past nine years there has been an overall increase of 38 per cent in people qualifying in 'green’ related subjects at higher education level , while the number of people gaining professional diplomas in environmental and health and safety management have risen by 219 per cent.

Employers’ interest
In addition, NEBOSH carried out research among 46 of its students who recently qualified in environmental management, which found around 70 per cent of people have their course and examination fees paid for by their employer.

"Judging by the willingness of employers to fund and support their staff with this, it is clear that more and more employers want them to be qualified in this field," Budworth said.