From Participant to Keynote Speaker
Zac Mooney

Powering Futures recently hosted the Ken Muir Award 2026 at the University of Stirling, bringing together around 200 people including Powering Futures partners, teachers, pupils, parents and supporters.

The Ken Muir Award celebrates young people taking part in Powering Futures, recognising the skills, confidence, teamwork and real-world thinking they have developed through the programme.

Scottish Water has an established partnership with Powering Futures, using the programme as both a development opportunity for apprentices and a way of engaging with schools and communities.

Through the Workplace Challenge, apprentices work in teams on real Scottish Water net zero and sustainability challenges, developing skills in problem solving, collaboration, networking and presentation while sharing their ideas with senior leaders.

Scottish Water colleagues also support the programme through volunteering as mentors, panellists and judges, helping young people gain valuable exposure to industry and build confidence in their future aspirations.

Zac’s full circle moment

A standout moment from this year’s event was the keynote speech delivered by Zac Mooney Modern Apprentice from Scottish Water Horizons.

Speaking in front of an audience of 200, Zac shared his journey from participating in the Powering Futures Workplace Challenge to building his career with Scottish Water. His story offered a powerful example of how confidence can grow when young people are given opportunities to challenge themselves, develop new skills and step outside their comfort zone.

Zac’s involvement with Powering Futures now spans almost three years. During that time, he has demonstrated significant personal and professional growth, progressing from a new apprentice presenting ideas to senior leaders through the Workplace Challenge to speaking at national events and inspiring the next generation of talent.

He is now studying for a Graduate Apprenticeship in Business and Project Management and is set to become one of the first Scottish Water apprentices to achieve this qualification.

Inspiring confidence and ambition

His contribution clearly resonated with the young people in the room. Following his speech, a pupil from St Morris’ North came forward to ask whether they could do public speaking like Zac had done. Inspired by what they had seen and heard, they left feeling determined to put themselves forward. It was a clear example of the influence role models can have when young people see someone further along the path, speaking honestly about their own journey.

The evening was full of moments that showed the value of recognition, encouragement and connection. Young people travelled from across Scotland to attend the event, with many receiving recognition for achievements they may not previously have had the opportunity to celebrate, which made the event particularly meaningful for them and their families.

Zac said: “I never imagined when I took part in the Powering Futures Workplace Challenge that I’d one day be standing on stage sharing my story. Being invited back to speak at the Ken Muir Award was a real privilege, and I hope it showed young people that confidence grows by saying yes to opportunities and giving things a go.”

Creating opportunities through partnership

Gillian McFarlane, Technical and Vocational Skills Academy Manager with Scottish Water, said: “Our partnership with Powering Futures is about helping young people build confidence, develop skills and see the opportunities available to them. Zac’s journey is a brilliant example of what can happen when people are encouraged to challenge themselves and make the most of those opportunities. Seeing him progress from Workplace Challenge participant to keynote speaker has been fantastic, and we’re incredibly proud of everything he has achieved.”

For Scottish Water, Zac’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when young people are given the confidence, support and opportunities to grow. From Workplace Challenge participant to keynote speaker, his journey shows how programmes like Powering Futures can help young people realise their potential and inspire others to do the same.