Powering Futures 2024 Year Review
A Transformational Year
2024 was a year of transformation, not just for Powering Futures, but for the young people, businesses, and educators we work with. From tackling real-world sustainability challenges to being recognised as an Earthshot Prize nominee, we’ve seen first-hand how equipping the next generation with the right skills can create a ripple effect of positive change. With over 100 schools now part of our programme and businesses increasingly investing in education, the momentum is undeniable. Last year, we haven’t just expanded - we’ve deepened our impact, creating opportunities that will shape the workforce of tomorrow.
At the heart of this progress is the development of critical skills - problem-solving, collaboration, adaptability, and leadership - that are essential to employers and fundamental for young people to thrive in their careers. By working directly with businesses on real-world challenges, their employees or students in schools have gained the experience and confidence needed to navigate an evolving job market and contribute meaningfully to their industries. As a result, they are not just preparing for the future - they are actively shaping it.
91685 Learning Hours
100+ Schools
“The Powering Futures Challenge is a ground-breaking programme for Scotland’s senior students, supporting Sir Ken Robinson’s educational aims and core competencies. It helps students discover their talents while bridging vocational and academic studies. Through real-world sustainability challenges, participants explore their role in achieving net zero and addressing climate change.”
2024 Highlights
29th January
#PowerUp Campaign
Ready to #PowerUp? Follow stories of the next generation as they share how they own their future! Watch more here
19th February
Earthshot prize nomination
Powering Futures was one of only 1,000 accepted nominations globally, we were really excited to be one of the nominees given our few years in business. To be part of this process was a real honour. Read more here.
27th March
Final Presentations
An incredible end to our programme for the academic session 2024/24. Over the past few weeks, we've seen amazing presentations from 413 students across 43 schools in 13 regions, tackling 5 National Challenges. Find out more.
18th April
Powering Futures Vision 20:30 conference
“Inspiring young people shared their views yesterday on how Scotland can equip itself with the workforce it needs as it faces one of the biggest challenges of the industrial age.” Read more here
30th April
Lothian Complete challenge programme
“Two groups of Apprentice Engineers presented their research to a panel of experts at Lothian's Central Garage.” Read more here
14th June
Final Teacher training session
Over 150 teachers attended and are ready to present Powering Futures in their schools for academic session 2024/25. Find out more.
225 Teachers Trained
3776 Volunteer Hours
772 Teams
“The Challenge programme has allowed the apprentices to develop and connect with each other, as well as with experts throughout our organisation. This will bring benefits to them and us for years to come – and proves that sustainability-focused solutions are not just good for the planet, but for the bottom line too.”
26th August
100 Schools
We reached a significant milestone, with 100 schools now having joined our education programme in Scotland, marking a major step forward in our mission to inspire sustainable futures. Find out more.
6th September
Powering Futures Live
We hosted ‘Young People at the Heart of Transition’ a live event in Inverness in association with Bam, HIE Scotland, Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, and Highland News & Media. Find out more.
10th October
Causeway
Our very own Anna Bell was awarded for the fantastic work she does by receiving the Rising Star - Young Professional of the Year Award, presented by the Causeway awards. Find out more.
5th December
Scottish Water final presentations
Our 14-week bespoke challenge with Scottish Water apprentices culminated in a final presentation on December 5th. Four teams showcased their ideas to a panel of senior leaders from Scottish Water. Read more here
6th December
Herald Partnership
“This collaboration represents a unique opportunity to align the innovative work of Powering Futures with the Scottish curriculum, showcasing how their initiatives inspire and empower the next generation.” David Ward - Newsquest Scotland managing director. Read more here
OUR 2024 CHALLENGE SETTERS
“Powering Futures is completely different to any other of my SQA courses. It gets me out of my comfort zone using skills that I wouldn’t normally use in those courses with teamwork being a massive one, having to listen to other peoples opinions and take them on board.”
What’s Next
2025 marks an exciting new chapter for Powering Futures. With final presentations for over 1300 learners taking place in over 10 locations across Scotland, the voices of the next generation will be heard louder than ever. We’re launching World Futures Day at the All-Energy Conference in May, a milestone event that will showcase the talents of young people in the energy transition. By August, we aim to welcome half of Scotland’s secondary schools onto the programme, strengthening our mission to prepare young people for the future workforce.
But we’re not stopping there. We have a number of new products in development and will be piloting them over the course of the year. As demand for our approach continues to grow, we are laying the groundwork to expand beyond Scotland, bringing our model to new locations to widen our impact. Alongside this, we will continue increasing business and individual participation through volunteering and sponsorship, ensuring that more organisations play an active role in developing future talent. As we move forward, our focus remains on growth, collaboration, and unlocking the potential of the next generation - because together, we can transform tomorrow.
PARTNERS
Thanks to our partners, we are Powering Futures together!
