Alex Horton: Building a 'Green Skills Workforce Engine' at Greenhouse

Not from the Sydney sun blazing through the floor-to-ceiling windows, or the quiet buzz of productivity that fills the air. It's the pulse of possibility, the tangible energy of ideas taking shape, of a community committed to forging a more sustainable future. And within this thriving ecosystem, Alex Horton, the founder of econome, is transforming climate anxiety into action, one upskilled professional at a time.

"I vividly remember my own personal 'climate aha' moment," Alex begins, his voice a blend of resolve and reflection. "It was 2019, and Extinction Rebellion was protesting in Melbourne. The sheer scale of the climate crisis and the lack of action hit me like a wave. That's when I knew I had to be part of the solution."‍

From that moment of 'climate grief', econome was born. More than just an educational platform, it's a 'green skills engine', propelling individuals towards fulfilling careers that contribute to a sustainable future. "We're not just about filling the green skills gap," Alex explains. "We're about empowering people to be the change. To step into their power and drive the transition we need."

Transforming Lives, One Career at a Time‍

This vision is more than just words; it's reflected in econome's track record. Alex lights up as he recalls a recent success story. "We had a student who was struggling to find opportunities in the climate sector. After completing our Climate Stream, they landed a dream job. They told me it was life-changing."‍

But what is the 'Climate Stream'? Alex explains, "it's an intensive, project-based learning experience where participants collaborate with industry experts to solve real-world climate challenges. We've deliberately designed it to be fast-paced and practical, mirroring the agility needed in the climate sector." The model has resonated, drawing professionals eager to apply their skills to a cause that matters. "We're not just teaching theory," Alex emphasises, "we're building a portfolio of tangible solutions."

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His success stories fuel Alex's drive. They are testament to the transformative power of education, and a reminder that the green transition isn't just about technology and policy – it's about people.
Greenhouse, Alex says, is where those people connect and collaborate. "It's the nucleus of Sydney's climate action scene. The energy here is palpable."

The Power of Community‍

The serendipitous encounters at Greenhouse have been pivotal for econome's growth. Chance conversations have sparked collaborations, opening doors to new opportunities and ideas. It's this sense of community and shared purpose that Alex finds most valuable. "Greenhouse is a launchpad," he remarks, "a place where you can test ideas, connect with like-minded people and gain the support you need to take your vision to the next level."‍

As we delve deeper into econome's work, Alex's passion for 'just-in-time learning' becomes clear. It's about equipping people with the skills they need, right when they need them, to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world. "We're not just preparing people for the jobs of tomorrow," he explains. "We're building resilience, empowering individuals to adapt and thrive in the face of climate challenges."

A Global Vision‍

Looking ahead, Alex's vision for econome is bold: a global platform that enables anyone, anywhere to access green skills training. Greenhouse, he believes, is the perfect springboard for this ambition. "Greenhouse is a hub of innovation and a champion of Australian climate solutions. I'm excited to leverage its network and resources to take econome to the world."‍

But Alex's ambitions extend beyond econome's growth. He sees a crucial role for Greenhouse in fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the wider climate tech ecosystem. "By creating spaces for dialogue and action, Greenhouse can connect startups, investors, and industry leaders, accelerating the pace of change."

Lessons Learned and a Bright Future‍

As our conversation draws to a close, Alex shares an intriguing piece of advice he'd give his younger self: "Ask more questions." It's a simple yet profound reminder that even the most visionary leaders are constantly learning and evolving.
And his passion for change doesn't stop at education. "Standing on a clifftop, critiquing a multi-billion-dollar company and trying to make it funny," Alex begins, reflecting on his 'clifftop critiques' of Woodside Energy. "It was a bold move, driven by a desire to spark a conversation and challenge the status quo. Sometimes, you have to get creative to spark a conversation."‍

Alex's 'clifftop critiques' have evolved into a powerful platform for holding big polluters accountable and inspiring others to speak up. On safer terrain, a recent 'lunch & learn' that Alex ran at Greenhouse exemplifies how he is exploring innovative ways to amplify his message and drive meaningful change.

That creativity and determination are driving Alex and econome towards a brighter, more sustainable future. As the sun sets on another day of innovation and collaboration, it's clear that Alex Horton is not just building a green skills engine; he's powering a movement, one empowered individual at a time.

How to reach Alex

Alex does 3 things that you can be a part of.

1. Alex runs the Climate Stream, an 8-week program for people looking to transition their career into climate.
2. Alex is organising the world's biggest sustainable Barbecue (find out more on his linkedin.)
3. Alex is the Jobs and Work moderator for Climate Crew ANZ where he runs weekly virtual lunch and learn with industry professionals to break down the gap in knowledge for a community of over 450 members.