2021-22 applications now closed.

Are you…

18-35 years old; and
Living in Scotland?

Do you have…

a desire to develop your leadership skills;
a willingness to inspire others; and
personal drive and energy?

Applications for 2050 Climate Group’s Young Leaders Development Programme for 2021-2022 are now closed.

We are living in a Climate Crisis and we need leaders of all backgrounds to make Scotland’s sustainable future a reality. Leadership is all about influence. You don’t need to be a chief executive or MSP to have an impact on this world. The aim of the Young Leaders Development Programme (YLDP) is to give young people the leadership skills and climate change knowledge they need to take action in the climate emergency. Now in its fifth year, we are looking for people like YOU to join the programme.

Equality, diversity and inclusion go hand in hand with climate change and are central to us at 2050 Climate Group. We welcome applications from enthusiastic, broad-minded people of all ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, and experience.

If you have applied for the YLDP in previous years and been unsuccessful, please do apply again. Previous applications have no effect on decisions made for this year’s recruitment.

As a Young Leader you will:

Receive free leadership training from Scotland’s foremost experts;
Build knowledge of climate change issues and solutions in day-to-day life, business, and politics;
Improve your communication and influencing skills;
Increase your confidence;
Build your CV with skills and experience;
Be part of a growing network of a diverse range of young people from across Scotland; and
Be able to inspire others to actively contribute towards taking action on climate change.

Programme structure

We believe that in order to help lead the way to a successful, sustainable future, there are three spheres of influence that must be addressed: personal, professional and political.

The six modules of the YLDP are split into three spheres of influence - personal, professional and political. Each sphere has a ‘climate change’ module and a ‘leadership’ module in which we provide you with the climate change knowledge, and then develop your leadership skills to help you take action on climate change.

The free to attend programme will begin in September 2021 and run until April 2022. It will consist of six days of training and workshops spread through the programme, each event held on a Saturday. Currently, the first three to four events are anticipated to be held digitally. Digital modules will be flexible, including pre-recorded materials, evening workshops etc. to avoid zoom fatigue. If the circumstances allow, the remaining modules will be in-person events, but may be subject to change. The locations of these will be confirmed nearer the time, but likely held in central Scotland with good public transport links, and we will endeavour to give as much notice as possible.

Please see the application form for exact dates.

The Leaders Network

On successful completion of the programme, you will have the opportunity to join our network of Young Leaders from previous programmes. This is a space for networking, collaboration and taking action and will be supported by training and development opportunities.

How to apply

Applications are now closed.

We are pleased to offer this programme free of charge to participants. This means that the only cost may be travel to each of the events. We don’t want finances to be a barrier to participating in the YLDP. Please see the application form for details of our Accessibility Fund.

If you have specific requirements or need the application in an alternative format please contact 2050 Climate Group on yldprecruitment@2050.scot to discuss further.

If you have any questions, check the FAQs below or drop us an email at yldprecruitment@2050.scot

FAQs

Q: What if I can’t make all the dates?

A: It might be worth considering waiting for next year’s programme. That way someone who can make all the events can join the programme this year. To get the most out of the YLDP, it is important that you can commit to attending as much of the programme as possible. Delivering the YLDP also requires significant resources, including financial costs and the time of our volunteers, staff and contributors. It is therefore really important that the chosen applicants attend our events if the programme is going to be a success!

Q: Do I already need to be a climate change guru to apply?

A: No. We are looking for a diverse range of people; all we expect is a commitment to learn and a desire to take action.

Q: How will you decide who gets onto the programme?

A: We had over 330 applications for just 120 spaces last year, and we expect this year to be competitive again. We will select applicants based on the answers in their application. We are not necessarily looking for those who already know the most about climate change or who are already working in a related sector, in fact we welcome those who know very little about climate change. Our primary aim is to get a good mix of people from a range of backgrounds and differing levels of climate change knowledge. What is critical, however, is that you have a commitment to the programme, a willingness to learn and a desire to apply what you have learnt by taking action.

Q: What if I live in the Hebrides / [insert far-flung Scottish place here]?

A: Climate change will affect everyone in Scotland, no matter where you are, so we would love for you to apply. Unsurprisingly some of this year's programme will be delivered online. For in-person events you’ll need to consider if you can make it to the central belt for Saturday morning. Remember, we may be able to help with your travel costs through our accessibility fund. See more information on the Accessibility Fund in the application for or email us on contact@2050.scot if you have any questions.

Q: Do I need to be in a position of leadership to apply?

A: A traditional image of a leader would be a politician or CEO of a business. However, we think a leader is someone who influences others and we believe people from all walks of life can do that. The YLDP will give you all the leadership skills you need to make a change, regardless of who you are or what you do.

Any other questions please contact us on yldprecruitment@2050.scot

Applications for 2021 Young Leaders Development Programme now open!