If you’re passionate about the environment, now’s the perfect time to explore how your studies can lead to a rewarding net zero career
So what is net zero, I hear you ask?
‘Net zero’ means balancing the amount of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, released into the atmosphere with the amount removed.
The goal is to stop adding more greenhouse gases than the Earth can handle, helping to combat climate change and protect our environment for the future. And in Australia, the government has committed us to reaching net zero by 2050.
Reaching this goal will mean reducing emissions from sources like cars and factories and increasing activities that remove carbon, such as planting trees or using technology to capture carbon. So it’s time to get busy!
In sectors like energy, transport, agriculture and mining, helping Australia reach net zero will create new jobs for STEM graduates. In fact, consulting firm Deloitte is predicting more than 300 million additional “Green Collar” jobs could be created by 2050. Check out net zero career paths below.
7 net zero careers to consider
#1 Renewable energy engineer
Want to help design and develop new energy systems like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power? Renewable energy engineers are at the forefront here!
Want to become a renewable energy engineer? Take these electives:
- Design and technology
- Physics
- Environmental science
- Maths
#2 Clean energy electrician
If being stuck in front of a screen isn’t your thing, but you still want to be part of our clean energy future, then an electrician qualification could be your jam.
Take one or more of these electives to become a clean energy electrician:
- Maths
- Physics
- Design and technology
- VET: Certificate II in Electrotechnology
#3 Environmental scientist
These scientists study the environment and develop plans to manage natural resources sustainably.
What electives do I need to become a renewable energy engineer?
- Biology
- Maths
- Geography
- Environmental Science
- Outdoor and Environmental Studies
#4 Green chemist
Green chemists focus on making all products that come from chemical manufacturing in the safest and most sustainable manner. That includes ensuring new chemicals use renewable resources in their production.
Interested? Choose one or more of the following electives:
- Chemistry
- Maths
- Physics
- Environmental science
#5 Energy analyst
As new forms of renewable energy are plugged into the grid, it’s energy analysts that are helping ensure things flow smoothly.
Take one or more of these electives:
- Maths
- Physics
- Design and technology
- Information software and technology (computing studies)
- Economics
#6 Green transport engineer
You might be a chemical engineer like our cover star Doha working on a new hydrogen car engine, or a sustainable systems engineer like award-winning designer Alex making electric vehicles more accessible.
The electives that will drive your career as a green transport engineer:
- Physics
- Maths
- Digital technologies
- Design and technology
#7 Battery design engineer
Batteries are in our phones, computers and now our vehicles! Plus with the rise of renewable energy storage, battery design engineers will be crucial for designing battery cells and systems that work.
Choose one or more of these electives to become a battery design engineer:
- Maths
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Design and technology
Net Zero Job Kits
For more deets on these jobs and the grads doing them check out here or have a read of the following Job Kits:
- Green Chemist
- Nuclear Engineer
- Clean Energy Scientist
- Sustainability Engineer
- Future Energy Specialist
- Earth & Environmental Scientists
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- Two million jobs: Australia needs more STEM students to help us get to net zero
- Want your uni choice to help save the planet? Choose engineering
