The route to a prosperous future lies in providing opportunities and access to jobs and careers that align with the attributes of young people from all backgrounds. Everyone possesses talent, yet it often requires unlocking. In parallel, the business community frequently discusses the shrinking talent pool and the skills gap, which poses a significant economic concern for future industries and the evolution of existing ones. There is undoubtedly a fracture in the bridge between education and business that exacerbates this situation, but a new partnership between Powering Futures and The Herald is now addressing it.

Announcing the New Joint Initiative

Newsquest Scotland managing director David Ward expressed his excitement about the new partnership with Powering Futures. This collaboration presents a unique opportunity to align Powering Futures' innovative work with the Scottish curriculum, demonstrating how their initiatives inspire and empower the next generation. Together, they will explore how businesses can effectively engage with schools to introduce young people to the world of work, bridging the gap between education and industry. In 2025, they look forward to producing a series of compelling content articles and events that highlight the vital role of such partnerships in shaping Scotland's future workforce.

In Schools - Powering Futures Challenge Programme

This SCQF level 6 qualification for senior school students focuses on meta-skill development through the lens of sustainability. It incorporates business support directly into the classroom, providing an acknowledged innovative approach. By developing these meta-skills, students are better equipped to thrive in any workplace. It offers a practical way for students to connect theory with real-world applications and gain valuable insights from business professionals.

Next Steps - Connecting Students to Careers

The Next Steps software-based programme examines the attributes of students and connects them to the jobs and career pathways that align with their interests and strengths. It acts as a bridge between students and potential career opportunities, helping them make more informed decisions about their future. This programme uses advanced algorithms and data analysis to match students with suitable career options, increasing their chances of success.

In Business - Workplace Challenge Programme

The Workplace Challenge Programme is a formalized approach to problem-solving within businesses. It unearths hidden talent while creating solutions to internal challenges. By involving students in these challenges, businesses gain fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. This programme not only benefits businesses but also provides students with valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to make a real impact.The programmes mentioned above, when combined, are generating the talent pool needed to support Scotland's economic future and beyond. Powering Futures is now in over 100 schools in Scotland, and their goal is to reach one million young people worldwide through these programmes, changing lives on a large scale.A key element of this acceleration is sharing success stories on platforms that can reach wider networks. The partnership with The Herald is an essential building block in this regard. The Herald's parent company, Newsquest, with its suite of products, brings credibility and a means to disseminate objectives to a wider audience, including the business sector that needs to be on board for the initiative to succeed.Powering Futures has seen significant growth through high-quality events, round tables, and business gatherings. The impact of its alumni appearing in front of businesses and sharing their future perspectives has increased the interest of organizations looking to partner. Newsquest is a market leader in the events space, and together, they will bring quality content and thought-provoking insights to readers in print and online. This benefits not only The Herald but also the wider Newsquest family. With The Herald's huge resonance in Scotland and Powering Futures' ambitions on an international scale, where Newsquest maintains major media reach, they are well-positioned to make a significant impact.www.poweringfutures.com. ■