Young people across North Lanarkshire are exploring future careers through Minecraft Education as part of Scottish Careers Week, which runs this week.
Our Sustainable Construction Challenge is giving primary school pupils the chance to discover how sustainable construction, town planning and digital technology can help shape the towns and communities of tomorrow.
Developed by our NL Academies team, Digital Pedagogy Leads and industry partner BE-ST, the challenge uses Minecraft Education to encourage pupils to design more inclusive, sustainable and resilient communities.
It also highlights the wide range of careers involved in shaping the built environment, including planning, architecture, engineering, environmental management, construction and digital design.
By bringing real-world sustainability challenges into the classroom through digital learning, pupils can develop new skills, explore different career pathways and see how these industries will contribute to Scotland’s net zero ambitions.
Scott Black, NL Academy Delivery Manager, said: “The idea behind this challenge was to help young people see the possibilities that exist right on their doorstep as they consider their own contribution to North Lanarkshire as a place to Live, Learn, Work, Visit and Invest.
“The places we live, work and learn in don’t happen by accident. They are imagined, planned, designed and built by people with a wide range of skills and talents. Through the Sustainable Construction Challenge, we’re encouraging pupils to think differently about the future, explore exciting career pathways and understand how digital technology and sustainability are helping shape the world around them.”
Zoe Elder, Digital Pedagogy Practitioner, added: “Minecraft Education gives pupils a space where they feel comfortable to test their ideas, make mistakes and try again. What makes this challenge special is that it starts with pupils’ own communities. They’ll look at what their local area really needs, then design and build solutions that are good for people and good for the planet.
“Along the way, they’ll develop creativity, problem-solving, teamwork and digital skills that will matter in whatever career they choose. We can’t wait to see the ideas pupils across North Lanarkshire come up with.”