Over the past term, Futurescape Phase 2 has continued to demonstrate the powerful impact that collaboration between schools, industry and local partners can have on young people across the region.
Employability skills sit at the heart of Futurescape. Beyond qualifications, young people need the confidence, communication skills, teamwork, adaptability and resilience to thrive in the workplace. These transferable skills allow them to respond to challenges, solve problems and collaborate effectively — whether in construction, design or any other industry. By embedding employability skills into live industry challenges, site visits and employer engagement, Futurescape ensures students develop these essential behaviours in real, practical contexts. This approach not only prepares them for further education and apprenticeships, but also directly responds to the workforce needs identified by local industry.
Delivered by Young Dragons CIC in partnership with Raven Delta, Cyfle Building Skills, and a growing network of construction and design businesses, Futurescape is designed to challenge stereotypes about careers in the built environment and help learners see these industries as innovative, creative and full of opportunity.
Schools Involved
This year, we are working with:
- Penyrheol Comprehensive School
- Dylan Thomas Community School
- Bishop Gore School
- Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School
- Ysgol Bae Baglan
- Coed Cae School (Llanelli)
In addition, we have returned to local primary schools to work with Year 6 pupils, ensuring early awareness of future career pathways.
Across these schools, students studying Construction and Product Design Level 2 qualifications are engaging in real-world challenges set by industry partners, supported by employer mentors and hands-on experiences.
Bringing Learning to Life Through Industry Partnerships
A defining feature of Futurescape is the strength of its employer network. Partners including:
- RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services
- Cyfle Building Skills
- John Weaver Construction
- Andrew Scott Ltd
- Morgan Sindall
- Hale Construction / SO Modular
- Pobl Group
- Morganstone
- WB Griffiths
- CWIC
- University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD)
- Down to Earth Project
have opened their doors, provided guest speakers, and created live project challenges for learners.
Students have recently:
- Taken part in a full day of activities at CWIC (Construction Wales Innovation Centre), exploring modern construction methods and sustainable design.
- Visited the Down to Earth Project, where learners worked hands-on using traditional building methods, preparing timber for a roundhouse build.
- Toured the impressive new Pentre Awel development in Llanelli, meeting site managers and learning about large-scale regeneration projects.
- Welcomed apprentices and industry professionals into classrooms to share honest insights into their career journeys — including both the challenges and the opportunities.
Innovation in the Classroom
Thanks to support from the Skills and Talent Programme (Swansea Bay City Deal), several schools have now received 3D printers to support industry-led design challenges.
Students are currently working in teams to:
- Develop product ideas for real school-based needs
- Conduct market research
- Design and prototype solutions
- Present their final products to industry judges
This approach builds not only technical understanding but also vital employability skills including teamwork, problem-solving, communication and resilience.
Impact Beyond the Classroom
What has stood out most has been the maturity, openness and engagement of the young people involved.
Students who may not always flourish in traditional classroom environments have excelled in hands-on settings, site visits and employer-led sessions. Many have expressed a clearer understanding of career pathways, apprenticeships and further education opportunities.
Futurescape is not simply about careers awareness — it is about confidence, aspiration and connection. It demonstrates what is possible when:
Education and industry work together with a shared purpose.
With continued employer engagement and exciting visits planned over the coming months, Futurescape is helping to build a stronger pipeline of local talent — ensuring that young people can see a future for themselves within the region’s growing construction, engineering and design sectors.
