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CPA plays key role in Rethinking Futures, inspiring the next generation of engineers

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:48:23 GMT

This year’s Rethinking Futures® Schools Project, Competition, and Careers Fair proved to be a major success, inspiring young minds and strengthening the link between education and industry. The event brought together students, teachers, and employers to celebrate engineering creativity and showcase the exciting range of career paths within the sector.

Over 180 students took part in the project competition on the opening day, presenting functional lifting equipment they had designed and built. Their innovative projects demonstrated impressive engineering skills, teamwork, and problem-solving, earning the attention of exhibitors, industry professionals, and PlantWorx visitors.

The Best Build award went to Lincoln UTC , while Walton Academy, Grantham , won Best Under 16 . The Suthers School received the Best Ingenuity prize, and North Notts College was the overall winner of the competition.

Across the two-day careers fair, around 350 students met with leading employers and organisations from across the construction and engineering sectors. Exhibitors brought STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) careers to life through hands-on demonstrations and conversations, helping students understand how their studies translate into real-world opportunities. Several schools generously left their project builds on site, providing a valuable learning experience for primary school groups who visited later in the week.

The CPA (Construction Plant-hire Association), the largest trade association for the plant-hire sector in the UK with almost 2,000 members, was among the organisations supporting Rethinking Futures, which formed part of PlantWorx 2025 at Newark Showground from 23–25 September. CPA Chief Executive Officer Steve Mulholland and Technical Publications and Careers Manager Katie Kelleher joined the judging panel for the student challenge, where participants were tasked with designing and building a piece of machinery.

Steve Mulholland said:

“Rethinking Futures was a fantastic initiative that really helped to highlight the exciting career opportunities available within the plant-hire industry. The event provided a brilliant platform for the sector to connect with school and college students and showcase the breadth of potential career paths available.

“Our industry offers jobs for life, and we must make sure these opportunities don’t go unnoticed. Katie and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the judging panel. The students' work was outstanding, and judging was certainly not easy! Their creativity, teamwork, and practical thinking were genuinely impressive.

“At the CPA, we continue to focus on developing construction plant-based apprenticeship schemes for a range of roles, including Plant Mechanics, Plant Operators and Hire Controllers. Our Stars of the Future Awards also celebrate and reward apprentices and trainees in the industry, so Rethinking Futures aligned perfectly with our work to address skills shortages and attract new talent into the sector.”

Stuart Favill, Operations Director at PlantWorx and founder of Rethinking Futures, added:

“This year’s Rethinking Futures has shown what can be achieved when schools and industry come together. The standard of student work was exceptional, and the enthusiasm from teachers and exhibitors alike was fantastic. There’s still work to do in breaking down barriers between education and employers, but events like this prove how powerful collaboration can be in building the next skilled workforce.”

The Rethinking Futures initiative was a year in the planning and highlights the continued need for education and industry to work hand in hand. Organisers noted that while challenges remain—such as school resourcing, transport logistics, and industry engagement—there is a growing appetite for practical partnerships that give students real-world insight.

By bridging the gap between classroom learning and employment, Rethinking Futures is helping to nurture the next generation of engineers and construction professionals—equipped with the curiosity, creativity, and confidence to take the industry forward.

From Classroom to Career: Closing the skills gap with Rethinking Futures

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:59:40 GMT

The construction and engineering industries are evolving fast, driven by technology, sustainability, and global trends. But one big challenge remains: the skills gap. Finding skilled professionals to innovate and lead the construction and engineering industries is a growing priority. That’s where Rethinking Futures steps in — a program designed to bridge the gap between education and industry.

By connecting students, schools, and industry leaders, Rethinking Futures gives young talent the tools they need to succeed.

Hands-On Learning for Career-Ready Skills

Rethinking Futures goes beyond the classroom, offering students practical experiences that reflect real-world challenges. This approach helps students develop the skills employers want — like problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity — while building their own confidence.

Lincoln UTC, a Rethinking Futures Supporter, explains: “Designing and building a machine capable of moving various products is exactly the type of challenge our students excel at—combining technical knowledge, creativity, and teamwork.”

Wright Engineering adds: “We aim to spark early interest by promoting engineering opportunities for school leavers, such as apprenticeships, while also showcasing graduate roles for those pursuing higher education.”

By aligning career pathways with students’ goals, Rethinking Futures ensures no talent is left behind.

Bringing Careers to Life

Many students don’t consider careers in construction or engineering simply because they don’t know what’s possible. Rethinking Futures changes this by connecting students directly with industry professionals and showcasing the opportunities these fields offer.

Steve Mulholland, CEO of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA): “Initiatives like Rethinking Futures ensure students gain hands-on experience and see the career opportunities our sector provides.”

The RAF agrees: “With over 60 jobs and 20+ apprenticeships available, the RAF relies on programs like Rethinking Futures to demonstrate the breadth of opportunities to students early in their education.”

By making these industries approachable and exciting, the program inspires the next generation of talent.

Closing the Gap Through Collaboration

Collaboration is at the core of Rethinking Futures. By bringing together schools and businesses, the program creates a direct pipeline of skilled talent ready to meet the industry’s needs.

Murphy, a key supporter of the initiative, shares: “It’s always fantastic to meet students and discuss their career ambitions. These conversations often help students see how their strengths can translate into a career in engineering or construction.”

Wright Engineering adds: “This initiative uniquely tackles our industry's skills shortages by directly connecting students with employers through interactive engagement.”

Together, schools and industries are building a workforce that’s prepared for the future.

Building a Sustainable Future

Sustainability in every form is at the heart of today’s construction and engineering industries, and Rethinking Futures is helping students prepare to meet these challenges. By providing opportunities for students to consider the future of the environment, the initiative ensures the next generation is equipped to create a more sustainable world.

The H. E. Group, which includes companies like H. E. Services and Diggerland, emphasises: “Encouraging environmentally responsible thinking is vital, and Rethinking Futures is the perfect platform to inspire the next generation and drive meaningful cultural change.”

Have you got the vision?

Our initiatives are designed to connect schools, students and employers within the construction and engineering sectors. Inspiring young minds, providing hands-on experience, and fostering valuable connections for future career success.

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We offer schools hands-on engineering projects, career guidance, workshops, and networking to enrich curriculums with real-world industry insights. For further details on how to get involved or to register your your interest, please click here.

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We help employers engage with students, boost brand visibility, network with industry leaders, and mentor future talent in construction and engineering. For further details about sponsorship click here.

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Students get real-world engineering experience, competitions, career exploration, and skill development workshops to help them prepare for future careers in construction and engineering.

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The Power of Hands-On Learning

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 08:00:46 GMT

Effective learning goes far beyond textbooks and the classroom. For students to truly develop, especially in dynamic and practical fields such as construction and engineering, hands-on experience is critical. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

The Rethinking Futures initiative champions this approach to education. By connecting students with real-world engineering and construction challenges, it inspires the next generation while equipping them with the skills they need for modern career paths.

Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice

Rethinking Futures gives students opportunities to step outside traditional learning environments and engage with practical challenges. This hands-on framework helps transform theoretical learning into actionable, tangible skills that meet industry demands.

Lincoln UTC shared, “The opportunity to design and build a machine capable of moving a variety of products is exactly the kind of challenge our students thrive on—combining technical knowledge, creativity, and teamwork.”

Through projects like these, students are not only learning but also applying their knowledge in ways that mirror real-world scenarios. By the time they leave education, they are better prepared to enter the workforce with confidence and capability.

Wright Engineering said, “Capturing young people’s interests in engineering at this interactive event, we hope to promote employment opportunities to both school leavers in the form of apprenticeships as well as making them aware of graduate engineering opportunities available on completion of Higher Education.”

By working on practical challenges, students aren’t just learning; they’re preparing for their future roles in workplaces where hands-on experience, not just understanding, is key.

Inspiring Creativity and Problem-Solving

Engineering and construction rely on finding creative solutions to complex problems. Without real-world experience, students can miss out on discovering the innovative and rewarding aspects of these careers. Rethinking Futures◊ ensures that young learners are exposed to the excitement and possibilities these industries provide.

Boneham & Turner , with a legacy of over 100 years in precision engineering, understands the importance of this exposure. They said, “It’s our duty to engage young people, spark their curiosity, and show them the real-world impact they can make.”

The initiative encourages students to think critically, solving problems under real-world constraints. For example, designing and building a functional piece of machinery offers an unparalleled opportunity to stretch their creativity while learning to adapt and overcome challenges—key skills needed by the workforce of the future.

Lincoln UTC reinforces this, sharing excitement about how the initiative bridges the gap between education and industry. “The Rethinking Futures challenge allows us to expose our students to a wider context of innovation and problem-solving beyond the classroom.”

It’s through interactive opportunities like these that students develop not only technical skills but also the ability to think on their feet, bringing innovative solutions to life.

Equipping Students with Career-Readiness

The hands-on type of education showcased by Rethinking Futures doesn’t just enhance understanding—it sets students up for career success. By tackling industry-relevant challenges, students build both confidence and competence, learning to operate under professional conditions.

The RAF highlights the importance of this preparation, “The RAF offers more than 60 different jobs, including over 20 apprenticeships. Initiatives like Rethinking Futures are vital for demonstrating these opportunities to students at a formative stage of their education.”

Murphy shares a similar perspective. As a leading employer of emerging talent, they value how the initiative prepares students for future roles, “People often need guidance to understand how their strengths may align with roles in engineering or construction. Rethinking Futures provides that guidance by connecting us directly with students and opening their eyes to career possibilities.”

Through these experiences, students are not just exploring potential career paths—they’re stepping into them. By exposing learners to various roles, Rethinking Futures ensures they’re ready to bring real-world engineering and construction to life.

The Role of Industry in Supporting Hands-On Education

For hands-on learning to truly thrive, industry leaders must take an active role. Initiatives like Rethinking Futures are critical because of the collaboration between educators and industry leaders committed to nurturing the next generation.

Wirtgen highlights the importance of this partnership, “We believe in the power of education and innovation to drive the construction industry forward. By supporting Rethinking Futures, we aim to inspire young minds and showcase career opportunities within the industry.”

The H. E. Group echoes this, on how hands-on learning can emphasise sustainability, “Engaging with young people allows us to demystify construction careers and highlight the exciting innovations across our businesses. Through direct engagement, we can inspire environmentally responsible thinking in the next generation.”

When companies like these invest in providing interactive, inspirational experiences, the result is a better-prepared, better-equipped workforce driving innovation and progress across entire industries.

Why Hands-On Learning Matters Now More Than Ever

As the construction and engineering industries continue to evolve, challenges related to skills shortages, sustainability, and technological disruption grow increasingly urgent. Hands-on learning addresses these challenges by ensuring that students are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable, creative, and career-ready.

Rethinking Futures showcases how impactful this approach to education can be. By collaborating with industry leaders, schools, and students, it creates an opportunity where innovation can support crucial education goals and industry opportunities ahead.

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How Rethinking Futures Strengthens the Construction and Engineering Industries

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:49:57 GMT

The construction and engineering industries face numerous challenges, including addressing skills shortages and embracing sustainability and innovation. The Rethinking Futures initiative is addressing these challenges directly by providing an innovative solution that enables industry leaders, schools, and students to integrate practical engineering and design projects into the learning environment. Its impact is already being felt, with industry giants coming forward to support the initiative.

Through engagement with the next generation, fostering collaboration, and providing hands-on experience and direct access to employers, Rethinking Futures is transforming how the construction and engineering industries bridge the gap between education and industry.

Tackling the Skills Shortage with Industry-Driven Experiences

One of the most pressing concerns in the construction and engineering industries is the widening skills gap. Driven by an ageing workforce and a lack of skilled workers joining the industry, this shortage of qualified professionals is impacting project timelines, increasing costs, and putting pressure on companies to invest in upskilling and training programs to bridge the gap.

That's why many companies have already signed up to be part of Rethinking Futures as a strategic approach to addressing this issue, leveraging the initiative to connect with the next generation early in their educational journeys.

Steve Mulholland, Chief Executive Officer of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), highlights the importance of the initiative, saying, "Our industry really does offer jobs for life, and it's crucial that we make sure these opportunities don't fall under the radar. Initiatives like Rethinking Futures ensure students gain hands-on experience and see the career possibilities our sector offers."

For Wright Engineering, closing this gap is also critical. They emphasise how the event bridges the divide between education and employment, "We hope to promote employment opportunities to school leavers and graduates alike. This event will help tackle skills gaps in the sector by bringing students and employers together in a unique and interactive way."

Sparking interest in students at this crucial stage of their education is critical, and the initiative provides a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to step into rewarding careers in construction and engineering.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Beyond addressing skills shortages, Rethinking Futures aims to inspire a new generation of problem solvers and creative thinkers. Its hands-on, interactive approach creates a space for students to explore the endless, exciting possibilities within the industry.

Boneham & Turner, a 108-year-old precision engineering firm, underscores the importance of inspiring young talent, "As seasoned engineers, it's our duty to engage young people, spark their curiosity, and show them the real-world impact they can make."

Lincoln UTC also celebrates the initiative's alignment with its STEM-focused curriculum. They said, "The challenge allows us to expose our students to a wider context of innovation and problem-solving beyond the classroom. It helps them think like engineers and work to real-world specifications."

Rethinking Futures provides students with both the vision, the tools and the knowledge to innovate, ensuring that the heart of the industry — creativity and problem-solving — continues to thrive.

Driving Innovation Through Collaboration and Technology

The future of the construction and engineering industry increasingly relies on sustainability and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. By supporting the next generation, these companies can anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and adopt innovative solutions with a creative and problem-solving workforce while driving the cultural shift necessary to tackle these challenges.

Wirtgen Limited highlights this, stating, "We believe in the power of education and innovation to drive the construction industry forward. By supporting Rethinking Futures, we aim to bridge the skills gap, attract fresh talent, and showcase future career opportunities for students."

The H.E. Group, which leads businesses such as H.E. Services (Plant Hire) and Diggerland, adds, "It's essential to encourage more environmentally responsible thinking across the industry, and Rethinking Futures is an ideal platform to inspire the next generation and drive that cultural shift."

These partnerships illustrate how the initiative helps embed sustainability and innovation into the industry's DNA, ensuring its resilience in the face of future challenges.

Creating Meaningful Connections Between Education and Industry

Rethinking Futures is opening doors to meaningful and essential connections that bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience. For schools and companies alike, this connection is invaluable in preparing the workforce of tomorrow.

Newark and Sherwood District Council describe this as a two-way benefit, "Attending an event of this scale offers numerous benefits, including connecting with peers, staying up to date on the latest trends, and lead generation. These are opportunities that businesses and students alike can't afford to miss."

Murphy echoes this perspective, sharing, "Through projects like Rethinking Futures, we can speak directly to students at school and share with them the broad range of career paths we have available. It's about helping them realise where their strengths align with industry needs."

This blend of networking, hands-on experience, and collaborative learning means that today's students are not only inspired but also equipped to tackle industry challenges head-on.

Looking Ahead: Why Rethinking Futures Matters

The construction and engineering industries are at a pivotal moment, with increasing pressures to meet sustainability goals, adopt new technologies, and nurture the next generation. Rethinking Futures is not just about learning - this is Rethinking Futures - showcasing what's possible when education, innovation, and industry come together.

From addressing skills gaps to providing hands-on experience and inspiring creativity, the initiative has already demonstrated its value to the industry.

Have you got the vision?

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We offer schools hands-on engineering projects, career guidance, workshops, and networking to enrich curriculums with real-world industry insights. For further details on how to get involved or to register your interest, please click here.

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We help employers engage with students, boost brand visibility, network with industry leaders, and mentor the next generation of talent in construction and engineering. For more information on sponsorship, please click here.

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Students gain real-world engineering experience, participate in competitions, explore career opportunities, and attend skill development workshops to prepare for future careers in construction and engineering.

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Drop us a message to see how you can get involved!

dd99262d

CPA plays key role in Rethinking Futures, inspiring the next generation of engineers

From Classroom to Career: Closing the skills gap with Rethinking Futures

Hands-On Learning for Career-Ready Skills

Bringing Careers to Life

Closing the Gap Through Collaboration

Building a Sustainable Future

Have you got the vision?

The Power of Hands-On Learning

Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice

Inspiring Creativity and Problem-Solving

Equipping Students with Career-Readiness

The Role of Industry in Supporting Hands-On Education

Why Hands-On Learning Matters Now More Than Ever

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How Rethinking Futures Strengthens the Construction and Engineering Industries

Tackling the Skills Shortage with Industry-Driven Experiences

Inspiring the Next Generation

Driving Innovation Through Collaboration and Technology

Creating Meaningful Connections Between Education and Industry

Looking Ahead: Why Rethinking Futures Matters

Have you got the vision?

��’�� — �� ®.