16 May 2025
COB (Congress of Business) Futures – a business-led initiative designed to help young people understand the skills and opportunities arising from the journey to net zero has been hailed as “pivotal for Scotland to achieve a Just Transition”.
COB Futures is an annual interactive careers event aimed at young people in S1–S3, offering them the chance to explore green and sustainable career pathways. With inspirational speakers, hands-on workshops, and dynamic panel discussions featuring industry leaders, the event helps young people discover how they can pursue careers that make a positive impact on the planet.
As part of a Glasgow City Regional collaboration by the Developing Young Workforce (DYW) teams, more than 200 young people from schools across the Region took part in sessions and discussions with business leaders about the skills and roles that will shape the future workforce.
Representatives from a wide range of organisations including City of Glasgow College, engineering consultancy firm COWI, architects O’Donnell Brown, McTaggart Construction, SSE, Lush, and Barclays, engaged with young people, offering insights and inspiration activities throughout the morning.
The Minister for Higher and Further Education, Graeme Dey MSP, attended the event, hosted at City of Glasgow College. He spoke to young people about the vital role they will play in helping Scotland decarbonise.
Minister for Higher and Further Education Graeme Dey said:
“Developing the skills and innovation required to achieve net zero will be critical in ensuring we deliver a Just Transition.
“Scotland must harness the opportunities of transitioning to a green economy, including educating and training our future workforce for emerging green roles, attracting diverse talent into sectors such as construction, and supporting the re-skilling of workers as we move towards more sustainable industries.
“Events like COB Futures are essential in achieving these goals and I congratulate everyone involved in making the day happen.”
Alison McRae, Senior Director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, added:
“Operating more sustainably is a competitive advantage for business and we know that really matters to our young people. Businesses want to attract the best talent and showcasing work inspiration activities around potential job opportunities to S1-S3 is one of the most evidenced way to influence their decisions.
“The opportunities available to young people in our city region are significant and we hope this really engaging session, delivered by the regional Developing Young Workforce teams, has sparked a sense of possibility for those who attended about the vital role they can play in our economy.”
Pictured: Alison McRae, Senior Director, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and co-chair of the Glasgow Employment and Skills Board; Paul Little Principal and Chief Executive Officer, City of Glasgow College; Ashleigh McCulloch, Creative Director, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Regional Lead, DYW Glasgow; Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Higher and Further Education and Stephanie Connor, Head of HR, A.C Whyte and Deputy Chair of the Glasgow Employment & Skills Board.
