CIHT are supporting the Powering Futures schools challenge programme by collaborating with AECOM to develop a Transport Challenge that is currently being considered by pupils in approximately 100 participating secondary schools across Scotland. CIHT STEM ambassadors are also providing critical mentorship to teachers and students alike to support the programme and help develop the solutions to the transport-based challenge.
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Jennifer Tempany and David Reid co-created the Powering Futures schools’ programme and worked to embed it within the Scottish curriculum to foster the development of innovation and essential skills of students within the 5th and 6th-years of secondary schools. The initiative has skyrocketed from six schools in 2022, to approximately 100 schools in 2024.
The aim is to cultivate a talent pipeline of one million young individuals by 2030 and offer students clearer pathways to the jobs of the future. The transport-based challenge will present the opportunity to understand the need to change behaviour to encourage more travel by sustainable means and hopefully influence business so they can address the ever-increasing sustainability challenges of tomorrow.
AECOM and CIHT collaborated to create a Transport Challenge that has been designed for 16–18-year-olds in Scottish based schools. The Transport Challenge is based on real-world transport relates issues and is meant to inspire students to work collaboratively to explore how they can reduce air pollution, combat climate change, improve traffic flow and enhance public health.
The next generation are growing up with the climate crisis, unsure of how it will impact on their employment prospects. The Powering Futures Transport Challenge presents an opportunity to support future generations by equipping students with the tools they need to consider and develop transport related solutions. As they work on the Transport Challenge, students are required to think critically about the future and create some innovative but practical transport related solutions, maintain a reflective logbook and develop presentations so they can present their solutions to industry.
We asked Powering Futures co-creator Jennifer Tempany about how the transport challenge will support the programme.
Jennifer said:
The launch of the transport challenge demonstrated the desire of CIHT to put the next generation at the heart of designing their own future. By creating solutions to delivering a sustainable future transport system, the students can positively influence the thought processes of professionals in the sector. The future belongs to those who are prepared to shape it, and our goal is to support and create a workforce that is ready, willing, and able to solve the challenges of tomorrow.
We asked CIHT CEO Sue Percy to comment on the transport challenge collaboration with AECOM.
CIHT CEO Sue Percy says:
“CIHT activity promotes sustainability within transportation infrastructure, and we encourage collaboration and innovation to meet environmental, societal and industry goals. We are therefore proud to support the Powering Futures Schools Campaign, by providing a brilliant group of volunteers and partnering with AECOM to co-sponsor a Transport Challenge to collaboratively inspire the next generation.”
A network of over 100 volunteers, including STEM ambassadors from CIHT, supports Powering Futures to deliver critical mentorship to teachers and students alike. The CIHT STEM ambassadors have been paired with Scottish schools who have chosen the Transport Challenge. They help to deliver the programme within the curriculum and serve as industry role models, showcasing the practical relevance of the students’ work.
Joanne Melarkey, a Regional Director at AECOM is a CIHT Member and STEM ambassador. Joanne attended the Powering Futures launch event at Bathgate Academy on 30 October 2024 to represent both AECOM and CIHT. We asked Joanne about her involvement with Powering Futures.
Joanne said:
My involvement with Powering Futures has been a rewarding experience seeing how enthusiastic the pupils are at tackling real world challenges bringing their ideas and fresh perspectives. The transferable skills that the course aims to develop are of huge value in the workplace and the launch event demonstrated how effective this is through an enjoyable roundtable discussion with pupils, businesses and teachers.
Fraser Stewart is another CIHT STEM ambassador who volunteered to support Powering Futures. He was assigned to Renfrew High School. We asked Fraser why he volunteered.
Fraser said:
Each year I pick a STEM programme that encourages multiple visits to a specific group of students, as I think it's valuable that they develop a relationship with a professional, so they feel more comfortable to ask the questions they want to. Following an email, I received from CIHT letting me know about Powering Futures, I researched it and knew immediately it was something I wanted to be involved in. One of the available projects for the students this year is transport related and co-sponsored by AECOM and CIHT; I look forward to supporting the students through the challenge and encouraging them towards a career in transport planning!
With a growing network and ambitious targets, Powering Futures will need more volunteers, businesses and schools to get involved. If you want to get involved sign up as a CIHT STEM ambassador, please watch this short video or contact professionaldevelopment@ciht.org.uk
By partnering with the programme, organisations not only invest in their future talent but also play a vital role in fostering sustainability across sectors. If your organisation is interested in getting involved find out more at: www.poweringfutures.com or email hello@poweringfutures.com
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