Green skills: spotlight on Aaron Lad

Something we’re really passionate about here at Solar for Schools is promoting green skills, and highlighting solutions rather than problems.

We want to help students and teachers understand the many exciting, fast-growing career paths that are being created across the science world as we speed up our decarbonisation journey as a society (...there are hundreds of career opportunities available today that didn't exist 30 years ago).

We recently caught up with third-year Chemical Engineering student, Aaron Lad, from the University of Birmingham. Unlike many Chemical Engineer undergrads, Aaron's not interested in moving into the petro-chemical industry. Instead, he wants to invest his knowledge and passion into environmental good, and into finding more sustainable solutions.

We were keen to know what Aaron hopes to achieve and the route he’s taking to get there.

Here are some highlights of our conversation:

Q: What is it about chemical engineering that is inspiring you to take a more sustainability-based path?

A: "I chose to study chemical engineering because I’ve always wanted to work in the renewable energy sector. During my A-Levels, where I studied Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Further Maths, I learnt a lot about climate change and the other environmental crises we are facing as a society. With that, I wanted to choose a degree where I can help find solutions to these environmental problems and promote sustainability. I decided on Chemical Engineering due to its connections with the renewable energy industry, and as a platform to work in renewable energy or sustainability".

Q: What do you love most about your course?

A: "One of the things I love most about my course is how what I learn actually applies to my everyday life and the world around me. We obviously do some maths (that’s engineering for you!), but also a lot on sustainability and how different industries can be decarbonised to reach targets on climate change, and it’s amazing to see how this applies to what I see and do in my day-to-day life".

Q: What are your hopes for the future, and what’s your dream job?

A: "Looking forward, I am excited to complete my Master’s year, where I can take more modules that specialise in energy and sustainability. I’m excited to continue to develop my knowledge in this area through research in my upcoming Master’s Research Project. In looking for a job, I would like to work in the renewable energy, hydrogen or sustainability sectors, as these are areas where I think I can make the biggest difference. No matter what, I want to keep working towards building a more sustainable future, where climate change is no longer an issue!"

What next?

If you're inspired by Aaron's story and want to get involved, or perhaps you'd like to know more about our education work, and how we're helping educators to promote solutions and green skills, then get in touch to find out more

Aaron will be participating at the annual Sustainability Learning Conference NW at the end of June, representing Bertz Associates.

This impactful and inspiring conference, now in its 18th year, is extremely popular with schools and school leadership teams. As with every year, the conference is almost entirely sold out. HOWEVER, there are just two remaining places for secondary schools.

If you'd like to join this vibrant event, with 100s of industry experts, climate specialists and students in one place, then get in touch with us via the button below and including 'Sustainability conference' in your message.