05 Dec 2025
By Alison McRae, Senior Director, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.
When we talk about the future of Glasgow’s economy, our people – and in particular our young people - are absolutely at the heart of that discussion. They will shape the workforce of tomorrow and help to determine how capable, agile and ambitious our city region is in taking advantage of the growth and innovation opportunities ahead.
That is why the launch of the Glasgow Regional Opportunities for Work programme, or GROW, represents such an important moment.
Thanks to a £1 million investment from JPMorganChase, GROW will give over 700 young people across the Glasgow City Region the chance to gain meaningful work experience across the sectors that define our economy.
From digital technology and renewable energy to finance, housing, health, hospitality and the creative economy, more than 40,000 hours of experiences will be delivered, opening doors and generating opportunities for some of our most deprived communities.
As someone who has spent years working at the intersection of business, education and skills, I have seen how transformative that first exposure to the workplace can be. A single visit, a supportive mentor or a hands-on experience can radically alter a young person’s outlook and sense of self belief.
GROW has been designed and built by our team – led by Creative Director and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Glasgow Regional Lead Ashleigh McCulloch - to provide exactly that. Not as a one-off encounter, but as a structured journey of inspiration, preparation and connection.
It is being delivered by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce in partnership with DYW Glasgow, DYW LED and DYW West, and is designed to focus specifically on those who face the greatest barriers to employment. This really is devolved regional skills funding in action where local partners are shaping solutions that work for local communities. It reflects a shared commitment to ensure that every young person, regardless of their background, can find their place in the future workforce. Over the next two years, young people will have 13 points of engagement designed to guide them towards real life and sustainable employment.
It is a business led, data driven programme which will without exaggeration change the lives of its participants.
The £1 million investment from JPMorganChase is part of its £40 million UK-wide philanthropic commitment to support inclusive economic growth. What makes this partnership so powerful is that it is grounded in evidence outlined in the OECD "Future-Proofing the Skills System in the Glasgow City Region’’ published last year, which calls for better support for young people transitioning from school to work and especially those from vulnerable backgrounds.
GROW was designed as a direct response to that insight, and it is really heartening to see research translated so quickly into action.
For Glasgow, this substantive investment represents more than funding, it is a vote of confidence. It is recognition that our city is leading the way in creating partnerships that link education, business and community in practical, forward-looking ways. It also demonstrates that global businesses can play a crucial role in strengthening local economies when they work hand in hand with those who understand the regional landscape.
As a city, Glasgow has always been defined by its resilience and its ability to reinvent itself. From our industrial heritage to our role in the digital and green revolutions, Glasgow has never stood still. We have a proud record of innovation and sustaining that momentum means equipping our young people with the skills and confidence to thrive in a changing economy. That is exactly what GROW aims to do.
What excites me most is that this programme will not just benefit the individuals who take part, it will strengthen the entire ecosystem. When our businesses open their doors to young people, they gain fresh perspectives, energy and creativity. When schools and colleges build stronger links with industry, they can better prepare learners for the world beyond the classroom. And when young people see a pathway to success that feels achievable and relevant, it can transform both their outlook and their community.
The spirit of partnership that underpins GROW is something I believe we need to see more of and that I have been championing alongside our businesses through Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, DYW and the various leadership positions I have been privileged to hold.
It is not about short-term projects or isolated efforts but about building sustainable connections between those who create jobs and those who aspire to fill them. This requires collaboration, trust and a shared belief that every young person deserves a fair chance to contribute.
Although GROW is rooted in Glasgow, this model also has the potential to have a real impact across the UK and beyond. The combination of devolved regional delivery with the backing of strategic global philanthropy creates a blueprint for others to follow.
We are at a pivotal moment for the world of work. Artificial intelligence, green technologies, and rapid changes in business models are reshaping the labour market faster than ever before. In this environment, it has never been more important to ensure our young people are equipped with the adaptability, creativity and confidence to succeed.
This article was first published in The Herald on Friday 5 December 2025.
