Rethinking Futures will make a significant impact at PlantWorx 2025, offering secondary school and college students aged 12 to 18 a unique opportunity to explore careers in construction engineering. This initiative provides a platform for young people to connect with industry professionals, experience new technologies, and learn about the construction sector.
Addressing the skills gap in construction, engineering, and mechanics, Rethinking Futures connects educational institutions with industry leaders to engage and inspire young minds. With a focus on apprenticeships, training, and recruitment, the initiative aligns with government objectives and supports schools in meeting Gatsby benchmarks.
Local schools will participate in a practical engineering challenge, where students design, build, and test machinery inspired by equipment such as grab lorries, excavators, and cranes. Equipped with the necessary tools and materials, teams will gain hands-on experience emphasising creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. Their projects will be evaluated by judges from the sector, giving students a unique opportunity to present their work to experts and explore potential career paths.
“Rethinking Futures is about igniting a passion for engineering and construction in young people when fresh talent is crucial,” says Stuart Favill, PlantWorx operations manager and co-founder of Rethinking Futures. “We’re creating a memorable, hands-on experience that connects young people with current technologies and potential employers. It’s an invaluable opportunity for students and the industry alike.”
Vic Boneham, a school teacher and co-founder of Rethinking Futures, brings an educational perspective to the initiative. “As a teacher, I know how powerful hands-on experiences can be for students,” she says. “This initiative gives young people a chance to tackle real engineering tasks and see what a future in this field could look like. It’s all about helping them connect what they learn in school with real opportunities and showing them that these careers are within their reach.”
John Morrison, who has served as the Principal of Lincoln University Technical College and Director of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology for the past seven years, will be instrumental in bringing Rethinking Futures to Nottinghamshire schools. “This is going to be one of the most exciting competitions we have ever run with students,” says Morrison. “I have organised countless regional and international engineering challenges over the years. This project is so clearly and closely linked to our construction industry partners that it will feel genuine and relevant to the young people involved.”
The engineering sector offers a wide array of career opportunities, many of which often fly under the radar. Rethinking Futures aims to raise awareness of these diverse paths and showcase the industry’s potential to students. While Nottinghamshire schools will be the first to benefit, the initiative will expand beyond the region, with plans to bring it to other events and shows in the construction and agricultural sectors. By connecting students directly with industry, Rethinking Futures aspires to cultivate a new generation of talent equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow."
With over 400 exhibitors expected, PlantWorx 2025 is set to be the UK’s largest live-action construction equipment exhibition, featuring cutting-edge technologies and leading OEMs. Scheduled for 23rd to 25th September 2025 at Newark Showground, the event will attract experienced professionals and, through the inaugural Rethinking Futures initiative, inspire the next generation of industry talent. Attendees can look forward to live demonstrations and interactive zones, including the popular ‘Operators Challenge’ and ‘Dig Zone,’ showcasing the latest advancements in the industry.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for those looking to support this exciting initiative and help cultivate the next generation of construction professionals.
For further information, please get in touch with Stuart Favill ‘Rethinking Futures’ stuart@rethinkingfutures.org or call 07970 534644
