Green jobs were under the spotlight this week during a fair at Barnet and Southgate College.

Hundreds of young people visited the Enfield Environmental Technologies Fair at the college's Southgate campus on Wednesday to speak to employers about the growing importance of the environmental sector.

Councillor Alan Sitkin, who chairs Enfield Borough Council’s sustainability scrutiny panel, was pleased with the turnout.

The Labour politician, who spent months organising the event, said: “People don’t realise that there are important jobs in this field which are developing rapidly. Now is the time for young people to seize the new ideas on offer.

“We need builders, plumbers, and craftsmen who know how to handle and fit the new materials being used in solar panels, piping and heating in house building and we also need people to be skilled in making older buildings more energy efficient.”

He said emerging industries will help people use less energy, be safer, as well as help the economy and cut down on waste. 

Utilities companies offered careers advice, and business owners were invited to find out how they can adapt their ways to save money while looking after the environment.

Cllr Sitkin added: “We cannot underestimate the benefits that come with caring for the environment and I am confident that demand for new skills will keep on growing.”