GROW Phase 2 Empowers Glasgow’s Young Talent

GROW (Glasgow Regional Opportunities for Work) has reached an exciting new chapter with the launch of Phase 2 across schools, building on a strong foundation and deepening its impact for young people across the city region. The programme was designed to introduce pupils to a wide range of industries and is now evolving into a meaningful experience that connects young people to real opportunities, real workplaces, and real skills.

Phase 1 gave young people visibility into sectors they may never have considered and sparked curiosity about what their futures could look like. Phase 2 takes that curiosity and brings it to life through a structured, week-long programme of work placements across multiple employers. Pupils step into their chosen sectors and begin to understand them from the inside, gaining hands-on experience, developing practical skills, and building a genuine sense of what different roles involve.

For many young people, the world of work can feel distant. GROW helps bridge that gap by creating opportunities that are supportive, accessible, and grounded in the real world. By working with multiple employers throughout their placement, pupils gain a broader view of each sector and the many pathways within it. The programme gives them the chance to meet new people, explore different directions and begin to picture themselves in spaces that may once have felt out of reach.

With over 120 employers already making a difference through the youth employment programme in Glasgow, there is a growing community of organisations choosing to invest their time and expertise in the next generation. Organisations such as Anderson Strathern, Andron Facilities Management, BBC, Braehead Centre, EY, Glasgow Film Theatre, INCH Architecture & Design, Manorview Group, McLays Foods, Morrison Construction, Sculpture Placement Group, and Sports System Education have already played a key role in bringing Phase 2 to life.

Their support is helping young people navigate important choices while contributing to a stronger, more inclusive future workforce.
Alongside the launch of Phase 2, GROW has also reached a powerful milestone, delivering over 10,000 hours of meaningful work engagements to young people across the Glasgow city region. This achievement reflects the scale of the programme and the depth of its impact. Behind each of those hours is a young person growing in confidence, building skills, and discovering new possibilities.

A young person told us about their experience with ATG Theatre:
“I really loved the theatre; this was by far my favourite. I loved the tour and finding out all about the hundreds of jobs within the theatre, and I loved the design activities we did. I really enjoyed meeting all the different people and hearing them tell their stories, which was really interesting and useful for helping me to understand my career options.”

GROW is a powerful example of what can happen when education and industry come together with a shared sense of purpose. Funded by JPMorganChase and delivered by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce groups, it brings together schools and employers to create opportunities that are meaningful, accessible, and built to last.

GROW represents a genuine commitment to ensuring that every young person, regardless of background, has the chance to explore their potential and feel prepared for what comes next. As Phase 2 continues in the lead-up to the summer holidays, so too does the opportunity for more employers to get involved and be part of something that is shaping futures in a very real way.

Want to get involved? Get in touch with the GROW team.