Future Builders

Future Builders helps Year 12 and 13 students in Bridgend develop practical and employability skills, build confidence and explore careers and apprenticeships in some of Wales’s priority sectors.

Developed in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council, the programme connects schools and employers to give young people hands-on learning, workplace experiences and insight into different career pathways.

Future Builders is supported by the Local Growth Fund, which is funded by the UK Government and managed in Wales by the Welsh Government.

How it works: for schools

Future Builders is aimed at Year 12 and 13 students in Bridgend who are unsure about their plans after sixth form, particularly those who may not currently be considering further or higher education.

Schools can sign students up for practical learning, industry visits, work experience and employability support. We will work with you to identify opportunities that suit your learners’ interests and needs, helping them explore routes into employment, apprenticeships and further training.

Support towards transport and staff cover costs is available to help schools take part.

Current opportunities include:

Engineering Club
A six-week programme for young people interested in engineering and energy. Students develop practical engineering disciplines including electronics, pneumatics, control systems, robotics, cyber security and automation.

Industry visits and taster days
Opportunities to explore workplaces at Parc Stormy, Safran Seats and WEPA Paper Mills. Students can meet employees and apprentices, ask questions and discover careers in renewable energy, aerospace and manufacturing.

Work experience at Bute Energy
A week-long opportunity to gain experience within the renewable energy sector, explore different job roles and learn from people working in the industry.

Careers talks and employability support
Support to prepare for applications and interviews, alongside opportunities to hear from employers. This includes a Renishaw STEM assembly exploring careers in engineering and the different routes into the sector.

Why take part: for schools

Future Builders helps learners connect their education with opportunities beyond sixth form and prepare for progression into employment, apprenticeships or further training.

Through the programme, students can:

✔ Develop practical and technical skills valued by employers through hands-on learning.

✔ Explore careers and progression routes across regional priority sectors.

✔ Gain first-hand experience of workplaces and understand different roles and employer expectations.

✔ Connect with employers, apprentices and industry professionals who can share their experiences and advice.

✔ Access clear, locally relevant careers information to understand their options and plan their next steps.

✔ Strengthen their readiness for employment or further training, with greater confidence and relevant experience.

As EESW STEM Cymru is CPD accredited, teachers who actively engage with the programme can also receive a CPD certificate.

To discuss opportunities and sign up for Future Builders, please contact us.

How it works: for industry

Future Builders connects employers with Year 12 and 13 students in Bridgend who are unsure about their next steps after sixth form.

We will work with you to shape an opportunity that suits your organisation and helps learners understand your sector, the skills you need and the routes into your industry.

You could get involved by:

Hosting a workplace visit or industry taster day
Offering work experience
Delivering a careers talk or practical activity
Supporting mock interviews or sharing application advice
Introducing students to your apprentices and employees
Contributing a career Q&A, short video or job case study

Why take part: for industry

Help young people discover a future in your sector while building connections with local schools and potential future talent.

By supporting Future Builders, your organisation can:

✔ Introduce your industry to future applicants, including young people who may never have considered it.

✔ Showcase your career pathways, apprenticeships and entry-level opportunities where available.

✔ Highlight the practical and technical skills you need, helping learners understand how to prepare.

✔Build relationships with local schools and contribute to skills development in the community.

✔ Give employees opportunities to share their expertise, support young people and develop their mentoring experience.

Your involvement could help a student discover an interest, choose a training route or take their first step towards a career in your industry.

To discuss how your organisation could support Future Builders and help young people explore a future in your industry, please contact us.