Youth, Sustainability, and Green Jobs: Analysing the Gap Between Environmental Awareness and Educational Choices

Sustainability and the creation of new employment opportunities in green jobs are central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations 2030 Agenda. In this context, education plays a crucial role in preparing younger generations to actively contribute to the ecological transition by developing knowledge and skills related to emerging sustainable professions. This paper presents the results of a survey conducted through a structured questionnaire administered to final-year secondary school students in Rome. The study explores three main dimensions: (1) young people’s perceptions, attitudes, and practices related to environmental sustainability; (2) their knowledge and representations of green jobs; and (3) their propensity to pursue university pathways related to environmental sustainability. The findings reveal strong sensitivity toward environmental issues and a generally positive perception of green jobs. However, this awareness does not automatically translate into concrete educational orientations, as only a limited share of students express interest in sustainability-oriented university pathways. The results highlight a gap between environmental awareness, knowledge of green job opportunities, and educational choices. The paper discusses implications for Education for Sustainable Development, emphasising the importance of strengthening guidance practices and connecting sustainability education with educational and professional pathways related to the ecological transition.