National Lottery partnership reveals practical ways to break barriers and create inclusive opportunities

A NEW report published to mark Green Careers Week (Nov 3–8) has revealed that many people from underserved communities are being shut out of green jobs due to lack of experience, financial barriers and unclear career pathways.

The study — a collaboration between The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK’s largest community funder, and Greenworkx, an education technology start-up — highlights how employer recruitment practices and reliance on informal networks are preventing equal access to opportunities in the growing green economy.

According to the research, 88% of out-of-work green jobseekers said that employer demands for prior experience were the biggest barrier to entry, while 83% said that shadowing or work placements would most help them find work.

Seven key barriers identified

The report found that financial constraints, lack of awareness, unclear routes into employment and limited access to networks all compound one another — particularly for people with disabilities, new arrivals to the UK, and those already underrepresented in the workforce.

It recommends system-wide improvements through employer-led programmes, including:

• job-shadowing schemes where graduates help newcomers gain experience,
• clear ‘job-ready’ guides explaining what employers look for,
• partnerships between employers, training providers and community groups, and
• funding incentives for local green job creation.

‘Good quality green jobs are becoming available’

John Rose, Wales Director and Environment Lead at The National Lottery Community Fund, said:
“More and more good-quality green jobs are becoming available, from solar and heat pump installation to nature conservation. This report helps us understand the barriers and how to support more people into green careers.

“By working with innovative partners like Greenworkx, we’re making environmental action relevant and accessible to communities that might otherwise be left behind. Our Sustainable Steps Wales programme, for example, is helping young people with disabilities and from ethnically minoritised backgrounds into green careers, investing over £12 million in four regional partnership projects across North, West and South Wales.”

He added: “Whether through large-scale initiatives or grassroots projects, the organisations we fund can make a big impact by embedding green careers. We would urge anyone with an idea for an environmental project to visit our website and apply for funding.”

Lack of awareness still a major issue

Limited awareness of green job options remains a major obstacle. Research by WorldSkills UK found that 44% of young people don’t know what green jobs exist, while 41% are unsure what skills are required.

Community group Foothold Cymru, which works with people aged 15–30, has also found that young people are often unaware of the variety of green career paths, and that uncertainty over job security can lead parents, friends and even career advisers to steer them away from the sector.

As one young participant, Shabana (20), put it: “Nobody wants to hire you unless you have the experience — but where do you get the experience from if you don’t get hired?”

Building a resilient, inclusive workforce

The research concludes that with deliberate action and coordinated effort, the green transition can become a source of opportunity, resilience and inclusion for all.

The National Lottery Community Fund plans to use the findings to inform future programme design, while Greenworkx will expand its employer-informed pilot schemes to reach more candidates and employers nationwide.

Mat Ilic, CEO of Greenworkx, said: “At Greenworkx, we believe people are the answer to the climate emergency. The energy transition offers millions the chance of meaningful work — but only if those opportunities are accessible to everyone.

“Our partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund has gone beyond identifying barriers. We’ve developed and tested practical solutions that bridge the gap between training and employment, where challenges of confidence, readiness and recruitment are greatest.

“We hope this new report helps drive a systemic approach to green workforce development, building the skilled workforce needed to power the energy transition — and ensuring the benefits are shared by all.”