South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 11/04/2014

Around 300 students aged 13 to 19 from secondary schools across the West of England participated, with 40 students per session acting as the panel of entrepreneur dragons. These student dragons formed groups to decide whether to invest in a range of cutting edge innovations which were presented to them by forward thinking businesses Ultra Global Personal Rapid Transport (PRT), who are based in Aztec West, and Jaguar Land Rover.

On day one electric shuttle pod manufacturers Ultra Global PRT won the students’ favour with £4.3 million of investment whilst vehicle manufacturers Jaguar Land Rover were awarded £3.3 million. On day two Ultra Global PRT received £7.8 million of investment whilst Jaguar Land Rover won over the students with a video of their new electric hybrid car to receive £12.1 million.

Your Green Future took place on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 April and featured two days of innovative workshops and an exhibition for students. This year’s event was officially opened by the Chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Ian Boulton and around 400 students attended over the two days.

Cllr Boulton said: “It is important that we equip our young people with the correct skills to match employment opportunities in the local area. This innovative event offered young people a unique chance to find out exactly what skills businesses require from potential employees and also learn about the many opportunities that are available in the growing green economy.”

Richard Isles, business development researcher at Ultra Global PRT, said: “Ultra Global PRT were delighted to take part in the Your Green Future event. Not only did the event present an excellent opportunity to engage and educate young people about the importance of a sustainable future but it highlighted the wide range of initiatives and enterprises, both large and small that are tackling green issues in the South West.

“As the importance of a green economy becomes more apparent, it was refreshing to see the enthusiasm shown by the young people who are part of a generation that will be heavily relied upon to make a difference in our low carbon, sustainable future.”

Your Green Future is an annual event where industry experts offer advice and inspiration to secondary school students to encourage them to consider future employment opportunities available within the green economy. For example, jobs working within renewable energy, alternative transportation or manufacturing with sustainable or recycled materials, along with research and development, and entrepreneurship.

Workshops and exhibitions were presented by businesses such as Ecotricity, Fairtrade, Good Energy, Jaguar Land Rover, Pukka Herbs, Rotary, Ultra Global PRT and We Do Ethical Fashion along with education providers such as University of the West of England and National Apprenticeship Service. In the exhibitor hall students were able to seek advice on the wide range of job opportunities with a variety of organisations.

For more information visit www.yourgreenfuture.org.uk