Futurescape is a new project delivered by Young Dragons in partnership with RD Group and Cyfle to inspire young people and prepare them for an exciting future.

Blog Post - January 2025

Futurescape Update

We’re so excited to share the latest progress from the Futurescape project! Our talented young participants from across South West Wales are diving into Step 2: Research and Brainstorm and Step 3: Planning Their Designs, where their creativity and teamwork are truly shining as they imagine the Houses of the Future. 🏡✨

The Futurescape Journey

Our students are embarking on an exciting journey, and here’s where we are right now:

Step 2: Research and Brainstorm

Objective: Explore ideas and gather inspiration for innovative and sustainable housing designs.

What our students are working on:
🌱 Researching Inspirations

• In their teams, students are discovering examples of futuristic and sustainable homes—online, in books, and through their own creativity.

💡 Team Discussions

• They’re brainstorming important questions like:

• What materials could we use? (Think recycled materials, solar panels, modular construction!)

• What unique spaces or features will make our designs stand out?

📝 Idea Generation

• Together, they’re creating detailed lists of ideas and agreeing on a shared concept to guide their designs.

Step 3: Plan Their Designs

Next steps, the teams will be turning their ideas into plans!

Here’s what they’re tackling:
✏️ Sketching Floor Plans

• Drafting layouts that include rooms, outdoor areas, and standout features. Completing vision boards with ideas and concepts to include in their construction.

🌿 Eco-Friendly Innovations

• Identifying creative, sustainable elements like green roofs, smart technology, and water-saving systems.

👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Target Audience

• Deciding who their house is designed for—families, students, disabled individuals, or the elderly.

Why This Matters

This phase of Futurescape is about so much more than just houses. It’s about encouraging young people to think critically, work collaboratively, and solve real-world sustainability challenges. Their enthusiasm and energy to create a brighter, greener future are truly inspiring. 🌍

Next Steps on the Journey

📐 Step 4: Build a Prototype or Model
🎤 Step 5: Prepare Your Presentation
🏆 Step 6: Present Your House of the Future

We can’t wait to see these amazing ideas take shape and share more updates as we move into the building stage. Stay tuned for more exciting moments from Futurescape! 🚀

#Futurescape #YoungDragons #RavenDelta #Cyfle #Enterprise #Sustainability #Teamwork #Innovation #FutureBuilders

Previous blog posts:

Blog Post 2 - September 2024.

Phase one of the Futurescape programme has been successful in introducing Year 6 students in Swansea, Neath/Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, and Pembrokeshire to careers in the built environment, such as construction, engineering, and electrical fields. While feedback from Pembrokeshire is pending, initial results show positive responses, with room to boost engagement further.

As we move into Phase 2, the programme will extend to Year 7 students in four secondary schools—Bae Baglan, Dylan Thomas School, Queen Elizabeth High, and Haverfordwest High. Set to launch in October, this phase will build on lessons from Phase 1 and provide students with a hands-on, team-based project. Students will work together to design and build a "Building of the Future" under the guidance of local construction experts, giving them real-world experience in the industry.

Survey feedback from Phase 1 shows that while many students have moderate interest in built environment careers, a significant portion recognizes the importance of learning about these fields in school. The hands-on project in Phase 2 aims to further spark interest by offering a tangible and interactive experience, supported by mentors and local industry experts. Competitions will be held in each school, with regional finals to select the best projects.

By incorporating regional industry specifics and enhancing the programme's interactive elements, Futurescape is positioned to provide students with a deeper understanding of the opportunities in these vital industries, while developing key teamwork, problem-solving, and project management skills.

With continued support from partners and funders, Futurescape is excited to continue inspiring the next generation across Wales.

Blog Post - June 2024

We are thrilled to share the latest updates from our transformative project, where we've been on an incredible journey, igniting inspiration and shaping futures in Swansea School and Neath Port Talbot schools. As we reflect on our achievements, we're excited to showcase the impact we've made and the milestones we've reached. We have worked with 12 schools, over 350 students and 4 amazing construction companies engaged.

Empowering Young Minds:

At the heart of Futurescape lies our commitment to empowering young minds and nurturing their potential. Through engaging initiatives and hands-on experiences, we've had the privilege of working with five schools in Swansea and seven primary schools across Neath and Port Talbot, touching the lives of hundreds of children. Witnessing their enthusiasm and curiosity has been truly inspiring, reaffirming our belief in the power of education and community collaboration.

Constructing Dreams:

Partnering with esteemed organisations like John Weaver in Swansea and Andrew Scott Ltd in Neath/Port Talbot, and having the support of Thomson Scaffolding, and Morganstone helping us with the virtual reality workshops, we've turned dreams into reality. From captivating virtual reality experiences to interactive workshops, we've provided students with a glimpse into the world of construction and civil engineering. Special thanks to Joan, Katie, Ruth, and Victoria for their invaluable contributions, enriching the learning journey of these young learners.

 Building Brighter Futures:

Our journey in Swansea School and Neath Port Talbot schools has been nothing short of extraordinary. Together, we've created memories, sparked imaginations, and laid the foundation for brighter futures. However, we do not bid farewell to the children, in September we will be back to set them a challenge when they enter secondary school and carry on with the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the dreams kindled.

 Onward to New Horizons:

But our primary school journey doesn't end here. With enthusiasm and determination, we are now gearing up to inspire the young minds of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. As we expand our reach across South West Wales, we are excited to continue our mission of transforming lives and shaping tomorrow's leaders.

 Join us as we celebrate the journey so far and look forward to the exciting chapters that lie ahead. Together, we are building a better future, one step at a time.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Futurescape project!

Below are some heartwarming pictures of the children learning and having fun together with a picture of the team arriving at the school (we DO NOT travel light).

THE TEAM BEHIND FUTURESCAPE

Dave Kieft, Managing Director of the RD Group:

“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:

 “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:

  “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.”

 Kathryn David, Director, Young Dragons CIC:

“We are excited to be leading the school engagement which will facilitate 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.”

Building a future

In partnership with Cyfle Building Skills and RD Group, we are delighted to announce the launch of ‘Futurescape’ an exciting new initiative aimed at tackling future skills shortages within the building services sector.

Futurescape aims to challenge perceptions and raise awareness of the exciting potential career opportunities within the construction, engineering and renewable energy industries. It will place a particular emphasis on green technologies and their role in improving the built environment and developing more sustainable buildings.

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, 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.