Land a Proper Job at Pioneering Careers Event

A groundbreaking event showcasing the world of green careers launches in Bristol on October 20.

Proper Job! will feature a jobs market, talks from expert panellists and networking opportunities.

The event serves to highlight the growing range of opportunities in sustainability, the circular economy and local community action, against a backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis, climate emergency and uncertainty across the traditional jobs market.

Proper Job! has been organised by Shift Bristol, an organisation providing world-class education in green skills and sustainability – photo: Shift Bristol

Proper Job! is organised by Shift Bristol, an organisation educating around practical sustainability and positive action for greener futures.

The not-for-profit has invested over £1m into the local economy by paying local tutors, renting community spaces, and supplying consultancy and labour to green projects, spaces and businesses.

They are working in collaboration with Bristol Commons, a new initiative developed by Co-Exist with a programme of cultural events to facilitate conversation and community-building.

The organisers believe now is a pivotal time to develop interest in and access to alternative careers.

Laura Corfield, director of Shift, said, “Everyone deserves to have a livelihood centred on their passions, that invests in their personal development, and builds the health and resilience of their local economy and community.

“But too many jobs support a top-down system that feeds and benefits from the labour of its workforce, then siphons money and resilience away from our communities.

“Meanwhile mainstream education and career progression is becoming increasingly narrow in its valuation of skills, prioritising those involving mental cognition over physical craftsmanship, creativity, and holistic engagement of heart, body and mind.”

Attendees will be able to explore careers in green building, crafts, nature regeneration, and jobs that support resilient local economies and communities – photo: Shift Bristol

The event will focus on local jobs that build resilience, sustainability and community wellbeing.

It will also showcase Mark Simmons’ photo-documentary study ‘Making a Difference – Bristol & Beyond’ that explores the people and grassroots projects making a radical shift from the mindset and practices of current decision makers.

“It’s clear to many people that we can’t rely on central government or existing business infrastructure to do this – it’s up to local people in communities like Bristol to take action,” said Laura.

“We believe that the best people to teach us about doing things differently are those doing it on the ground, with the lived experience to guide us.

“Gathering to share our stories and experience is an effective way to learn how to problem solve and overcome the many challenges we face.”

The organisers hope the event will act as a pilot that will springboard to an annual event, and create a model to be replicated in cities across the UK

Proper Job! takes place at Easton Community Centre and the Pickle Factory in BS5. It is open to people at all career stages. For more information and tickets visit: www.shiftbristol.org.uk/properjob

Main photo: Shift Bristol. This piece of independent journalism is supported by The Extra Mile and the Bristol24/7 public and business membership.

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• women in sustainability celebrate green transitions
• UWE Bristol launches ‘UK-first’ climate course

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