Young people are invited to join a new free, hands-on learning project at Lancaster University, designed to help develop future leaders in sustainability.

Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) has launched iGrow Green Careers, which aims to enhance employability and green skills among people aged 18-30 in both the north-west of England and also in West Java, Indonesia, where Lancaster has a joint international campus.

Funded through the British Council Climate Skills Global Collaboration Grant, the project represents a significant international partnership and responds directly to rising UK youth unemployment by addressing critical skills gaps in emerging sectors.

Dr Hina Khan, Programme Lead at LUMS, said: “iGrow Green Careers is about creating meaningful pathways into the green economy. We want to ensure that young people - particularly from under-represented backgrounds - have access to the skills, networks and opportunities needed to succeed in emerging green industries and future careers.”

Running from March to August 2026, the six-month hybrid programme will support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by equipping them with practical, transferable skills for a rapidly changing economy. Through hands-on training in sustainability, innovation, digital marketing, AI, and entrepreneurship, participants will engage in applied company projects and co-create tangible solutions while building employability skills, professional networks, and career readiness, contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive economy.

The programme is led by Principal Investigator Dr Hina Khan, alongside Co-Investigators Dr Eman Gadalla and Professor Ahmad Daryanto from the Marketing Department at LUMS, in collaboration with Agile Innovative (AI) Labs and INCREASE Indonesian Social Enterprises, led by Anton Herutomo.

Anton Herutomo, CEO of AI Labs and Indonesian Lead, said: “We are proud to partner with LUMS on iGrow Green Careers. This British Council funded initiative will equip young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in Indonesia and the UK with the skills needed to drive sustainable change in their communities. Lancaster University’s growing presence in Indonesia further strengthens academic collaboration and impact in the region.”

The programme reinforces Lancaster University’s strategic commitment to Indonesia by expanding its educational and global partnerships, advancing responsible leadership in sustainability, and deepening institutional engagement across the region.

iGrow Green Careers aligns with the UK Government’s October 2025 Clean Energy Jobs Plan, which outlines workforce needs for the transition to net-zero and the growth of clean energy and sustainable industries by 2030. In Indonesia, the initiative also supports national priorities to strengthen green skills and advance the country’s net-zero ambitions. With Skills England highlighting persistent shortages in green and technical skills, iGrow Green Careers combines academic expertise with practical workforce development to help young people access high-growth roles central to a sustainable economy.

Ian Steel, Owner of Atkinsons Coffee Roasters, which is a Certified B Corp, said: “The iGrow Green Careers project is a timely and important initiative that reflects the growing need to connect people with meaningful, future-focused work. As we move towards a more sustainable economy, companies will be increasingly seeking out the best qualified talent who have shown a genuine commitment to ways of developing a regenerative business model.

“It will no longer be a side issue in the small talk part of an interview, it will be a central plank of their recruitment.

“For B Corps and purpose-driven organisations, sustainability isn’t just about environmental impact - it’s about creating long-term value for people, communities, and the planet. iGrow Green Careers plays a vital role in building that pipeline of talent, equipping individuals with the skills, confidence, and purpose needed to contribute to a more responsible and resilient economy.”

Delivered in a hybrid format, participants will attend the Lancaster University campus one day per week in Lancaster, UK, with sessions delivered in Indonesia by collaborating social enterprises, including selected sessions hosted at the Deakin University Lancaster University Indonesia (DLI) campus, and complete guided learning online. This flexible model ensures accessibility while maintaining strong academic and professional engagement. Beyond training, the programme seeks to build long-term partnerships with employers, community organisations and careers services. iGrow Green Careers aims to strengthen local skills ecosystems and create ongoing opportunities for young people in the UK and Indonesia.