Dr Eman Gadalla, Dr Hina Khan and Professor Ahmad Daryanto.
Young people are invited to join a new free project at Lancaster University to help develop future leaders in sustainability.
Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) has launched iGriow 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.
The project represents a significant international partnership and responds directly to rising UK youth unemployment by addressing critical skills gaps in emerging sectors.
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.
“iGrow Green Careers is about creating meaningful pathways into the green economy," said Dr Hina Khan, Programme Lead at LUMS.
"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.”
The programme is led by Dr 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.
Mr Herutomo 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.”
Ian Steel, owner of Atkinsons Coffee Roasters, 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.”
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