A photo of students who attended the Green Careers Mission 2024.
On 11 November 2026, students from universities across Greater Manchester will come together for The Green Careers Mission.
Working in mixed teams, students will take on real sustainability challenges set by local employers and pitch practical ideas that could help make the city region fairer, greener and more sustainable.
Every challenge is aligned with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Environment Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, connecting students’ work directly to the region’s climate ambitions and growing green economy.
From reducing carbon emissions to improving air quality, protecting biodiversity and much more, the challenges set by employers are real problems they are working to address, and your input is invaluable.
The day long event is open to students from all five Greater Manchester universities, including the University of Salford, no matter what course you are studying. This is an opportunity to make a real difference and gain valuable skills and experience.
Students standing smiling having completed the Green Careers Mission 2025.
Why Attend?
Explore sustainability careers and build green skills
As organisations work towards net zero targets and respond to environmental challenges, they need graduates who can think critically, solve complex problems and contribute to sustainable solutions. The Green Careers Misson provides insight into opportunities across multiple sectors and may introduce you to career paths and employers you had not previously considered.
Demand for green skills continues to grow. The LinkedIn UK Green Skills Report found that workers with green skills are being hired at a rate 38% higher than the UK average . he Green Careers Mission is an opportunity to build those skills.
Meet like-minded students
The Green Careers Mission brings together students from diverse academic backgrounds who share an interest in creating positive change for people and planet. This is an opportunity to expand your network and collaborate with people on sustainability challenges.
Strengthen your CV
Working on a real-world employer challenge provides valuable evidence of teamwork, problem solving, communication and sustainability awareness. These experiences can help you stand out when applying for placements, internships and graduate roles.
Be involved with an award-winning programme
The Green Careers Mission won a University of Manchester Making a Difference Award in 2026, for its ‘outstanding contribution to social and environmental impact through entrepreneurship’. The programme was also recognised nationally as a blueprint on how universities can engage in climate education.
Picture of the group of students who completed the Green Careers Mission 2025.
Graduate Perspective: From Green Careers Mission to a Sustainability Career
University of Salford graduate, Oliver Prato, credits the Green Careers Mission with helping to launch their career in sustainability:
“During the Green Careers Mission I had the opportunity to present my team’s project, which focused on how a £12 billion construction investment fund in Manchester could be leveraged to deliver sustainability focused social value.
The day allowed me to network with a wide range of people including employers and professionals working in sustainability related fields.
The experience helped me secure two sustainability focused roles: first as a Graduate Sustainability Engagement Officer and later a permanent role focused on waste minimisation communications.
The day helped me meet prospective employers, which is key when it comes to securing graduate jobs. It is about getting yourself known, demonstrating your skills and showing how you can apply them in practice.
Networking is valuable but networking while actively demonstrating your skills is even more powerful. The Green Careers Mission gave me the opportunity to do both.”
Photo of Oliver in a group at the Green Careers Mission last year.
Take the Next Step
Whether you are already passionate about sustainability or simply curious about how your degree can contribute to a greener future, The Green Careers Mission offers a unique opportunity to gain experience, build your network and explore career possibilities.
Join students from across Greater Manchester on 11 November 2026 (09:00 to 17:00) and discover how your skills can help shape a green future! Sign up here before 22 October.
If you are a regional employer interested in setting a challenge for students as part of the Green Careers Mission, contact sustainability@salford.ac.uk.