● Sustainability education pioneers Powering Futures announce ten partners for 2024/25 term
● Social enterprise expands to over 100 schools for year ahead

Powering Futures, a pioneering sustainability education provider which brings school pupils and business together, has today announced a new partnership with ten Edinburgh businesses for the 2024/25 academic year.

Participants in the Powering Futures Schools Programme engage in hands-on learning as they collaborate to find a solution to a sustainability challenge that has been set by industry, developing their skills in innovation, problem solving, networking and sustainability. Industry partners are uniquely embedded in the delivery of the curriculum programme which is designed to systematically create a pipeline of talent to businesses involved in delivering the transition to net zero.

The ‘Edinburgh 10’ businesses backing Powering Futures for the year ahead, which came together today to launch the initiative at Portobello High School (see photo here) are:

● Lothian Buses
● Social Bite
● HCI Skills Gateway
● Business Stream
● Vattenfall
● Hitachi Rail
● Urban Fox
● Robertson Group
● BAM UK & Ireland
● City of Edinburgh Council

Over 20 schools in the Edinburgh and South East region will participate in the 2024/25 programme.

Commenting at today’s launch, Martin Whitfield MSP, Labour Spokesperson for Children and Young People, said:
“Powering Futures is an innovative and dynamic programme providing young people with exciting opportunities, skills, and connections to help them achieve their full potential. It’s also helping bring employers together with their future employees and supporting the urgent need to develop a workforce that is skilled in technology, engineering, and sustainability. I’ve seen the programme’s positive impact in the high school in my own community and have no hesitation in endorsing it.”

Greg McDowall, Headteacher at Portobello High School, said:
“This year, we are excited to introduce a new level 6 qualification into our senior school curriculum – Powering Futures, a program designed to equip our young people with the essential skills and competencies for their future. We were particularly drawn to this opportunity because of its strong connections with the world of work. This year we are delighted to have been partnered with Hitachi Rail. The course focuses on challenging students to address real-world issues like sustainability and the transition to Net Zero, as it empowers them to develop the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We have a great team of teachers leading this initiative and we are keen to see how our young people respond to this opportunity.”

Tim Olton, Fleet Director of Hitachi Rail, said:
“With us firmly established in Edinburgh we are committed to engaging with local businesses and communities. Indeed the Craigentinny Depot has been in the Portobello area for over 100 years and many local people have worked there. For us the Powering Edinburgh’s Futures programme provides the perfect opportunity to support schools across Edinburgh and the Lothians, and we are particularly looking forward to working with our neighbouring Portobello High School.”

Eoghan Maguire, Director of Heat Networks Scotland at Vattenfall Heat UK, said:
“We’re so proud to be part of this exciting collaboration that aims to empower and inspire young people into low carbon careers where they can really make a difference.”

Gaynor Marshall, Communications Director at Lothian Buses, said:
“Lothian is delighted to be involved in the Powering Futures schools programme. The course offers young people the opportunity to learn core skills which are relevant in business while helping to build confidence and identify key strengths. These professional development skills provide valuable lifelong learning and provide additional valuable support to students as they develop their chosen career pathways.”

Powering Futures was set up in 2020 to empower the young and future workforce with the skills, critical thinking, and enthusiasm to help their organisation transition to net zero. Bringing together schools and businesses, Powering Futures tasks teams of S5 and S6 pupils with solving a sustainability problem set by industry, and supports them in coming up with creative solutions through teamwork and climate skills. At the end of the process, participants will earn a SCQF Level 6 qualification.

Jennifer Tempany, Co-Founder of Powering Futures said:

“The Powering Futures Schools Programme is empowering tomorrow’s business leaders to solve real-time sustainability challenges and work towards future economic prosperity. The Edinburgh 10, with the support of the City of Edinburgh Council, are going to have a huge tangible impact as we take young people on this journey towards a cleaner, greener future.”