A new initiative has been launched with the aim of bridging the gap within the building services sector. ‘Futurescape’ has been launched by three Welsh companies: RD Group, Cyfle Building Skills, and Young Dragons CIC, with the specific goal of narrowing the skills gap and shedding light on the vast career prospects within construction, engineering, and renewable energy.
Futurescape will use innovative, immersive technologies and engaging learning experiences that will expose young people to real life experiences in a virtual environment and allow them to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and potential career paths.
The project will involve children in both primary and secondary schools coming together to work on a real-life project supported by companies who will engage with the schools and provide opportunities for young people to gain a meaningful understanding of the vast range of opportunities that exist within the sector.
The project, which will span the Swansea Bay economic area (Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire), is part funded by the Skills and Talent Programme under the Swansea Bay City Deal.
The school engagement will be led by Young Dragons CIC, a Swansea-based community initiative dedicated to helping young people develop entrepreneurial skills: creativity, problem solving, innovation, communication, negotiation and decision-making.
Dave Kieft, Managing Director of the RD Group, said:
“The built environment is undergoing significant change due to advancements in technology and materials. It’s essential that we invest in forward-thinking approaches, to prepare future generations for the emerging opportunities and challenges of the industry’s next industrial revolution.”
Anthony Rees, Regional Manager of Cyfle, added:
“There’s a real need to tackle perceptions about what it’s like to work in the built environment. A lot of young people think that working in construction means low skilled, low paid jobs, but the reality is that there are lots of high value job opportunities from apprenticeships to post graduate level.”
Sue Poole, Director Young Dragons CIC, said:
“We are really excited to be using innovative tools that will not only inform children about potential further opportunities but will also help them develop the employability skills that they will need later in life.”
Further information:
Kathryn David, Director, Young Dragons CIC,
