We celebrated our 10 year anniversary at NMIS!

The event brought together partners, employers and educators to reflect on a decade of supporting young people across the West. We were welcomed by our fantastic DYW Ambassador pupils from St Benedict’s High School, with musical entertainment from Park Mains High School, and catering provided by West College Scotland.

Our Chair, Jim Hannigan, opened the event, followed by a showcase video, highlights from the DXC Digital Futures Academy, and impact updates from our four local authority areas:

• Renfrewshire Council
• East Renfrewshire Council
• Inverclyde Council
• West Dunbartonshire Council

We also heard about the continued success of the GROW programme, with closing remarks from our Deputy Chair and Young Scot Chair, Elma Murray.

It was fantastic to see such positive feedback both on the day and online.

Thank you to our Board, partners, local authorities, the Scottish Government, and the many employers who continue to support our work, together, we are making a real difference for young people.

A special mention to Andrew from Park Mains High School for an impromptu Irish dancing performance to mark St Patrick's Day

As part of March's DXC Digital Futures Academy, students stepped into the role of Innovation Designers, taking on a Dragon’s Den style challenge to transform the fan experience at Hampden Park.

Working in teams, they explored real fan needs, from accessibility to engagement and created innovative tech solutions like apps, AR experiences, and smart services.

Another successful two weeks of the GROW programme, featuring a diverse range of engaging sessions delivered by a fantastic mix of employers.

Host employers and participating schools included:
JP Morgan – Paisley Grammar School
Thermo Fisher Scientific – Dumbarton Academy
PWC – St Stephens & Port Glasgow High School
AC Whyte – Woodfarm
PWC – Dumbarton Academy
SSE – Gleniffer High School
EY Foundation – Paisley Grammar School
JP Morgan – St Stephens & Port Glasgow High School
Scottish Power – Vale of Leven
 Youth Inspired – Dumbarton Academy
Howden – Gleniffer
Spectrum Services Solutions – Paisley Grammar School
EY Foundation – Woodfarm
Renfrewshire Chamber event at Malcolm Group - Linwood High School

A big thank you to all the schools and employers involved for their continued support and dedication.

Engage Renfrewshire are hosting a Volunteer Fair on the 30th April, from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the Tannahill Centre, Paisley.

This is a great opportunity to connect with local organisations and explore a range of volunteering opportunities.

Click here for more information and to register

As part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026, pupils from Port Glasgow High School visited Scottish Leather Group in Bridge of Weir for an inspiring talk and behind-the-scenes tour.

It was a fantastic opportunity to help young people see the wide range of careers available locally and to understand the real pathways into industry through apprenticeships.

A big thank you to Mark Cowan and Rhona Ferris for such an engaging session and giving our young people a brilliant experience! 

As part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week last week, we had some fantastic employers supporting our “Apprentice for a Day” initiative by hosting young people on site.

The programme gave pupils the opportunity to spend a day in the workplace, shadowing an apprentice and gaining real insight into apprenticeship pathways.

A big thank you to AC Whyte, Arnold Clark, Balfour Beatty plc, Dales Marine Services Ltd and Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow) Limited for making the experience possible.

Congratulations to Corey, Kaiden, Keane, Niall, Ryan and Sam on completing Apprentice for a Day!

Investors in Young People are hosting their Good Practice Networking Event on Tuesday 28th April at Clayton Hotel, Glasgow.

This free in-person event brings employers together to explore how high-performing organisations are creating cultures of trust where young talent is supported to thrive and contribute meaningfully to long-term organisational success.

This event is designed for anyone involved in the recruitment, development or retention of young talent.

Click here to find out more and secure your spot!

Throughout Scottish Apprenticeship Week, we shared a range of fantastic apprenticeship opportunities from employers across a variety of industries. From engineering and IT to logistics and construction, these roles highlight the many pathways available for young people looking to start their careers while learning on the job.

Below is a round-up of the apprenticeships we featured throughout the week.

Apprenticeships offer a great way to gain valuable skills, earn while you learn, and build a strong foundation for future careers.

To stay up to date with the latest opportunities, be sure to follow us on social media, where we regularly share new apprenticeships, events and career insights.

Aggreko – IT Modern Apprentice 

Altrad – Technical Apprentices

Babcock – Various Roles

Balfour Beatty – Various Roles

CalMac -Modern Apprenticeships in Deck Rating and Engine Rating

Dales Marine - Steelwork & Fabrication and Mechanical Engineering

Forestry and Land Scotland - Craftsperson Modern Apprentice

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde – Modern Apprentice Health & Safety Officer

Scottish Water – Modern Apprentice & Graduate Apprentice Roles

Interested in engaging with young people but not sure where to begin? Join DYW's free online “Get Started with DYW” webinar.

🗓 11th March
⏰ 9am–11am
💻 Online & free to attend

This practical session will help you:
✅️ Understand how DYW benefits your organisation and young people
✅️ Explore the types of activities you can offer
✅️ Build confidence in engaging with schools
✅️ Access resources to support your involvement

Register here

Another fantastic two weeks of GROW, featuring a great range of engaging sessions delivered by an excellent mix of employers.

Host employers and participating schools included:

Braehead Shopping Centre - Woodfarm & Mearns Castle
AC Whyte - St Stephens & Port Glasgow High School
Arnold Clark – Paisley Grammar
Open Reach – Glennifer High School
MacTaggart Contstruction – Dumbarton Academy
Elderpark Housing Association – Vale of Leven
Caledonia Training Centre – Woodfarm High School
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce - St Stephens & Port Glasgow High School
Morrison Construction – Paisley Grammar
GRID, Braehead – Gleniffer High School

A huge thank you to all the schools and businesses involved for their continued support and commitment.