Inspiring green careers with RSK
How a partnership with one of the world's largest environmental and engineering groups is shaping the next generation of sustainability professionals.
Real challenges, real learning
Through the Living Labs programme, students work alongside RSK experts to tackle live environmental challenges — bridging the gap between what they learn in the classroom and what the industry demands. Guest lectures from RSK specialists enrich our engineering curriculum, and 58 RSK staff have volunteered as mentors, building professional networks with students that extend well beyond graduation.
The impact on careers has been striking. CV workshops, careers fairs showcasing six RSK businesses, and green careers sessions have led to graduate scheme applications 60 per cent higher than from any other university partner. The RSK Bursary Programme has awarded nine bursaries across STEM subjects, four of which specifically supported female students.
"I think a graduate of the University of Greenwich is going to have a real solid grounding in understanding what the industry is about and what it needs."
David Walker, Principal Landscape Architect at Stephenson Halliday
Bringing the stories to life
To showcase what the partnership makes possible, we worked with RSK and videographers at Film Division to create six short films exploring green career pathways and alumni success. Filmed at RSK's Birmingham office and across our Greenwich, Avery Hill and Medway campuses — from the Stockwell Street living wall to Medway's laboratories to Avery Hill's edible garden — the series captures the energy and ambition behind this work.
"I’m currently doing my Part III at the University of Greenwich. I’ve got some great mentors - any questions that I’ve had, they always make time for me."
Ilinca Dospinescu, Part II Architectural Assistant at 3BM Studio
Watch the series
What comes next
Through collaborative working groups, we're now jointly shaping green skills development across the sector — ensuring our graduates are equipped not just to enter sustainability-focused industries, but to lead them.
"The partnership with RSK has been really invaluable. It enables us to reach out to students and show them that there are organisations out there who are interested in graduates with the skills to solve tomorrow's challenges."
Simon Goldsmith, Head of Sustainability