Free Youth-Led Technology, Engineering & Adventure Programme

Ages: 11–17

Cost: Free – Funded Programme

When: Fridays, 3:00pm–4:30pm — 22 and 29 January; 5 and 19 February 2027

Location: Strathbrock Community Centre, 189A W Main St, Broxburn, EH52 5LH — Entrance B. Suitable outdoor activity locations will be confirmed in advance.

Experience: Beginners welcome

First Step Innovate (FSI) offers young people exciting opportunities to explore remote-controlled vehicles, drones and model aircraft through hands-on activities, practical challenges, teamwork and innovation.

Whether you enjoy driving RC cars, flying drones, racing, exploring technology or developing your own engineering projects, there is something for everyone.

The programme combines recreational activities with opportunities to develop technical knowledge and practical engineering skills. Not every session involves building or programming — some focus on driving, flying, practising skills and friendly competitions.

FSI: Drone Flying & Racing Club

Discover the excitement of drone flying through practical flight training, precision challenges and friendly racing activities.

Activities may include:

• Indoor and outdoor drone flying
• Drone racing and obstacle navigation
• Flight control and manoeuvring skills
• Drone maintenance and repairs
• Exploring drone technology, electronics and programming

Young People Lead the Way

This is not a traditional classroom-based course. Young people are encouraged to take ownership of their activities, learning and projects, with experienced mentors providing guidance, supervision and technical support.

Participants can choose to focus on practical driving and flying skills, competitions or more advanced engineering challenges.

Those interested in engineering will have opportunities to research ideas, design and build projects, test solutions and improve their creations.

Young people undertaking engineering projects will also be encouraged to continue their research and development at home between sessions.

The programme aims to develop independence, confidence, teamwork, creativity, problem-solving and practical technical skills.

Attendance and Commitment

As this is a free, funded programme with limited spaces, participants are expected to attend their booked sessions regularly and actively take part.

Session dates will be confirmed in advance, and participants should make every effort to attend once they have booked.

If you are unable to attend, please notify us as early as possible. Repeated absences without prior notice may result in your place being offered to someone on the waiting list.

Young people undertaking team engineering projects are also expected to contribute to their group's progress and take responsibility for agreed tasks.

Weather-Dependent Activities

Outdoor driving and flying activities depend on suitable weather and safe operating conditions.

Although Fridays are our regular programme day, individual session dates, times and locations may change due to weather conditions, venue availability or other safety considerations.

Parents and carers will receive confirmation of arrangements in advance.

Where possible, alternative indoor activities such as simulators, vehicle maintenance, engineering challenges or project development will be offered.

All flying activities will be subject to applicable aviation regulations and safety requirements.

Expectations of Parents and Carers

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting this youth-led initiative.

Families will be asked to support at least one First Step Robotics youth event during the programme or volunteer to assist with practical tasks such as setting up equipment, preparing venues or tidying up after sessions.

This shared commitment helps build a supportive community while giving young people opportunities to take ownership of their activities and projects.

Funding and Support

Supported by Young Start funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

First Step Innovate provides free opportunities for young people to explore emerging technologies, develop practical skills, enjoy recreational technology activities and collaborate on exciting engineering and innovation projects.

No previous experience is required. Equipment will be provided, and all activities will be supervised.