The event, developed and orchestrated by Business Curriculum Quality Leader Susan Carton, aimed to engage young students in business-related subjects, sparking curiosity and fostering an early interest in the vast career possibilities within the business sector.

Participating schools included , Johnstone High, Gryffe High, St Benedict’s, Park Mains, Trinity, Renfrew, Castlehead, Gleniffer, St Andrew’s, and Linwood High, with students taking part in interactive workshops and hands-on activities designed to align with the interests of today’s digitally savvy teens. These sessions, led by prominent industry guest speakers, provided students with a dynamic introduction to the world of business, offering insights into essential skills and real-life examples of how each speaker navigated unique paths to reach their current positions in the industry.

Guest speakers included:

Niki Bowd from Barclays, covering Risk Management, Business, Finance, and IT skills.

Karen Perry from Strathclyde Business School, discussing Business Innovation and Technology.

Jenni Stewart from Scania, speaking on HR and career pathways.

Deborah Lynch from BAE Systems, offering insights into Auditing, HR, Training, and Apprenticeships.

Tracey Rundell from Altrad, Doosan, engaging students with her expertise in business management.

The event was also a friendly competition, with guest speakers assessing student engagement and selecting a winning school. Although all schools demonstrated outstanding participation, Linwood High took home the winning title, while Park Mains, Gryffe, St Benedict’s, and Paisley Grammar were awarded “Highly Commended” honours.

Jenni Stewart, Head of People Business Partnering at Scania, commented,

I was truly blown away by the bright and engaged young people who attended.

'They asked such insightful questions that it was hard to believe some were only 14! It would be a pleasure to work with young people of their calibre in the future, and I hope to cross paths with them again."

Students were treated to a buffet lunch at the College's Weavers Restaurant, catered by the College’s Hospitality students. Pupils expressed enthusiasm about the day’s events, with Hannah Campbell, 14, from Paisley Grammar, remarking, “I liked hearing about the speakers’ work experience and learning about the different paths in business.

It showed me that there isn’t just one way to succeed, and that business can open up so many opportunities.

Emily Adams, 14, from St Benedict’s, added, “I enjoyed listening to the guest speakers and learning about their different backgrounds.

It’s opened my eyes to the diverse industries within business and encouraged me to keep studying the subject.

The event earned high praise from school representatives as well. Mrs. Reid, a Business teacher from St Benedict’s, commented, “It’s been a valuable experience. The kids enjoyed it and learned so much hearing about the speakers’ real-life journeys.

This approach really brought the world of business to life for them.

Mrs. Smith, Business Teacher from Linwood High, stated, “This event has been a fantastic opportunity for our students. It’s given them firsthand insight into potential career paths and shown them the range of opportunities that studying business can lead to.” She also expressed her delight at her students’ achievement, saying,

I’m thrilled to see them win—it’s a fantastic reward for their enthusiasm and active participation in each workshop today.

Susan Carton, Business Curriculum Quality Leader and event organiser, reflected on the success of the day, saying,

It’s inspiring to see these young students engaging with the speakers and discovering just how far a career in business can take them.

'Events like International Business Day give pupils a sense of the diverse possibilities in business, an industry that touches every sector and offers countless career paths. We hope this experience will motivate many of them to pursue their interests further.”

Jim McAllister, Head of Language, Business and Leisure Industries at West, emphasised the value of engaging with local schools and the community. “We’re thrilled to host events like these, building connections with our community and encouraging young people to explore career possibilities in business.

We hope today’s sessions sparked genuine interest in the sector and even in West College Scotland as a future stepping stone.

We look forward to building on the success of this event and continue to support students in exploring the dynamic and evolving world of business, ensuring they have the resources and inspiration to take their first steps into an exciting career.

Huge thank you to all of our speaks and pupils who attended.