Golspie pupils to work on real-world industrial challenges
More than 80 local pupils are set to work with industry mentors to develop solutions for energy, engineering, food and housing challenges.
Pupils from across the Highlands including from Golspie High School are preparing to take on some of Scottish industry’s biggest sustainability challenges, as they participate in the Powering Futures Schools Challenge 2025/26.
This is a nationwide programme that brings schools and industry together to equip young people with the skills, confidence and experience they need for the jobs of the future.
Across the Highlands pupils from Golspie High School, Gairloch High School, Dingwall Academy, Ullapool High School, Tain Royal Academy, Wick High School and Inverness Royal Academy will work in teams to research, develop and present solutions to challenges set by leading businesses, receiving support from industry mentors.
Powering Futures was established in 2020. At its heart is the Powering Futures Challenge Programme, which tasks teams of S5 and S6 pupils with solving a problem set by industry. The programme supports pupils in developing skills in teamwork, problem-solving and presenting, and culminates with pupils presenting their creative solutions to a panel of industry judges.
At the end of the process, participants will gain a SCQF Level 6 qualification, equivalent to a Higher.
The efforts that pupils will work across his year are:
Seafood Scotland - ‘Fish-Tales’: Helping Scots to rediscover their local superfood by designing a campaign that reconnects Scottish people with local sustainable seafood
Vital Energy - ‘Hot Stuff’: Design a town for 2500 new homes that showcases the opportunities that new heating technology offers - creating communities where heating is affordable, efficient and low carbon
BAM and Siemens Energy - ‘Watt’s Next?’: creating a nine-month timeline of experiences and events that redesigns how young people can discover careers in clean energy, and be connected with potential employers
SSEN Transmission - ‘Power-Up’: Create a plan for moving the equipment and materials for new electricity infrastructure to a remote environment whilst minimising the impact to local communities and the environment
BAE Systems - ‘Hidden Treasure’: Design a space that benefits your local community using end-of-life shipping containers and sustainable materials.
Industry mentors will work directly with pupils, guiding their research and helping develop creative solutions. The programme will culminate in spring when pupils present their ideas to industry judges at a regional final being held at UHI Inverness.
Jennifer Tempany, co-founder of Powering Futures, said: “In Powering Futures’ fifth year, we are thrilled to be engaging with a record-breaking number of pupils across Scotland.
“This milestone highlights the strong appetite among schools and employers to work together to shape Scotland’s future workforce.
“By connecting young people with Scottish industries in a hands-on way, we’re helping Scotland’s next generation explore exciting opportunities in energy, food and drink, engineering, technology and beyond.
“Having run this programme for five years, we know it can be genuinely transformational - opening up career pathways and empowering young people to shape a sustainable and prosperous future for Scotland.”