Our first ever employer spotlight employer is Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, nominated by Carla, School Coordinator at Clydebank High School.

Carla said that "SFRS offered our Young People within WDC an opportunity to experience a Firefighter For  Day FFAD offers young people a unique chance to step into the role of a firefighter  and experience the challenge, teamwork and responsibility that come with the job. Delivered by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service across West Dunbartonshire, this one-day programme is designed to be enjoyable, informative and confidence-building for all participants."

This fantastic initiative highlights the impact employers can have in inspiring and engaging young people through meaningful, real-world experiences.

Know an employer making a difference?
We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at info@dywwest.co.uk

We're inviting employers to take part in our Employer Takeover Campaign across our socials.

This is a great opportunity to showcase your organisation, highlight career pathways and inspire young people by sharing real insights into your industry.

We're looking to film short, engaging video content with apprentices/staff.

Ideas include:
Behind the scenes or day in the life clips
Role spotlights 
Quick Q&As
Myth-busting your industry
Career pathway tips

If you're interested in taking part then please email info@dywwest.co.uk.

Click here to watch our employer takeovers

Another successful three 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:

Centrica – Knightswood Secondary
Fare Share - St Peter the Apostle
Opos Ltd - Inverclyde Academy
Barrhead Housing - St Lukes High School
Cloch Housing - Inverclyde Academy
Terumo Aortic - St Lukes High School
NRS - St Columbas High School
BAE Systems - Linwood HS
SFRS -Knightswood Secondary
Morgan Stanley - SPTA
DXC - Knightswood Secondary
Arnold Clark - SPTA
The Wyllieum - Inverclyde Academy
Opos Ltd - St Lukes
Beacon Arts - St Columbas HS
Easterhouse Sports Centre - Linwood HS
 
We appreciate the continued support and commitment from all participating schools and employers.

Join us at All-Energy 2026 for an exciting and interactive school visit, where pupils (ages 12-15) will explore the world of renewable energy, innovation and sustainability. This unique experience will inspire young minds, introduce future career opportunities, and showcase cutting-edge technologies shaping a net-zero future.

This is an inspiring day for pupils to explore:

Renewable energy innovations
Hands-on skills activities
Future career opportunities
Expert talks and networking

Please note All-Energy have offered to help with travel costs (terms and conditions apply).

Please contact dyw@glasgowchamberofcommerce.com if you are interested.

Click here for more information

Eastwood High School is inviting businesses and professionals to take part in their upcoming S3 Industry Masterclass event, designed to give young people valuable insight into different careers and industries.
This event offers S3 pupils the chance to experience interactive, hands-on sessions that help develop their skills for life and work.

They are currently looking for volunteers to deliver workshops, with previous examples including:

Makeup masterclasses, “Day in the life” career sessions, Mocktail or barista workshops, Influencer and digital careers, Musical theatre, Cybersecurity, Enterprise-style challenges (e.g. Dragon’s Den).

Event Details
Date: Wednesday 20 May 2026
Time: 8:45am – 12:20pm
Session 1: 8:45am – 10:25am
Session 2: 10:40am – 12:20pm (repeat session with a different group)
Location: Eastwood High School, Newton Mearns, Glasgow

Get Involved
If you're interested in delivering a session, please:
RSVP by Monday 27th April
Provide a short description of your workshop
Share any requirements needed to run your session.

For more information or to get involved, please contact: brownb@eastwood.e-renfrew.sch.uk

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 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!

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.

The first two weeks of the GROW Programme have been a great success, with local pupils participating in a range of engaging and informative events delivered by a range of fantastic employers. These sessions provided valuable insight into different industries and helped pupils develop their understanding of future career pathways.

Host employers and participating schools included:

Rolls-Royce - Dumbarton Academy
Sea Life - Vale of Leven Academy
Scottish Ambulance Service - Woodfarm, Mearns Castle & Vale of Leven Academy
CVS Inverclyde - St Stephens High School & Port Glasgow High School
River Clyde Homes - Paisley Grammar School
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce - Glennifer High School
Terumo Aortic - Paisley Grammar School
AC Whyte - Glennifer High School
GRID Braehead - Dumbarton Academy
Braehead Housing - Woodfarm & Mearns Castle
NMIS - St Stephens High School & Port Glasgow High School
 

We would like to thank all schools and employers involved for their continued support in making the GROW Programme such a positive experience for young people.