Nicola McCrosson from our HR team took part as a panellist at the Powering Futures event in Dumfries last week.
Powering Futures believes that every young person should have the opportunity to be happy and successful in their future. They prepare the workforce of the future for the jobs of the future by unlocking potential and equipping 16-25 year olds with qualifications, skills and the confidence to thrive.
Events like Powering Futures play a vital role in connecting education with industry. They give students a platform to explore potential career paths while building confidence and practical skills—and they give organisations the chance to engage with the talent of tomorrow in a meaningful way.
Nicola McCrosson, HR Manager, said "The event brought together students tasked with tackling real-world industry challenges. What stood out immediately was not just the quality of their ideas, but the way they approached them. With confidence and clarity, they demonstrated essential meta skills such as communication, problem solving, creativity, and teamwork—skills that are just as important as technical knowledge in today’s working world.
"Their enthusiasm and curiosity were genuinely inspiring. Each presentation offered fresh perspectives and thoughtful solutions, reminding everyone in the room of the value young people bring when given the opportunity to engage with real industry scenarios.
"I was proud to represent James Jones and Sons and to contribute to such a positive and engaging experience. A big thank you to the organisers and my fellow panellists for making the day so impactful.
"I’m looking forward to continuing this journey and will be heading to Murrayfield later this month to take part as a panellist once again."
