On Friday 21 November, VGC Group CEO Ciara Pryce took part in a cross-border youth development programme delivered by Morgan Stanley in partnership with Cooperation Ireland. The event took place at Canary Wharf, bringing together 24 young people aged 16–18 from Ireland, Northern Ireland, and London.
The programme, run by Caroline McLaughlin and Bill Daly, is designed to give students direct exposure to the finance and banking sector and encourage cross-border connection, confidence-building, and career exploration.
Net Éire & Cooperation Ireland Youth Initiative held at Morgan Stanley on 20–21 November 2025.
Immersive Experience at Morgan Stanley
Over several days, the students spent time inside Morgan Stanley’s London offices, gaining insight into how a global financial organisation operates. Activities included:
- Time on the trading floor
- Meeting Morgan Stanley colleagues across different teams
- A technology talk at Bloomberg
- A visit with Irish Ambassador Martin Fraser
The programme offered participants a first-hand experience of the pace, professionalism, and collaboration that drive the financial sector.
Big smiles all around! Participants from Ireland, Northern Ireland and London taking part in the Morgan Stanley and Cooperation Ireland youth development programme in Canary Wharf.
Student Presentations on Workplace Inclusivity
On the final day, the students worked in groups to present their ideas for creating more inclusive workplaces. Their proposals included:
- A cross-cultural connection programme to help employees learn from each other
- A “blind date” style “meet your mentor” initiative to support early careers
- A multi-faith prayer space designed to make workplaces more accommodating
Their presentations reflected themes of diversity, belonging, and how workplaces can better support future generations.
Students outside Morgan Stanley’s Canary Wharf office during the cross-border youth development programme.
Ciara Pryce’s Session on Careers and Inclusion
As part of the programme, Ciara Pryce delivered a session designed to widen the students’ understanding of the career paths available to them. She discussed career progression, inclusivity in construction and recruitment, and how building strong networks can help young people access opportunities they may not have previously been exposed to.
She also spoke about the importance of choosing employers whose values reflect your own, and how inclusive workplaces create better environments for early-career talent to grow.
During the session, Ciara was impressed by the students’ insight and maturity:
“They were articulate, confident, insightful and driven. They were able to teach me about how businesses need to change to adapt to the new skill set that is emerging with the workforce of the future.”
Ciara Pryce delivering a session on career pathways and inclusivity during the Morgan Stanley and Cooperation Ireland youth development programme.
Strengthening Pathways for Future Talent
VGC Group is committed to supporting initiatives that help young people access meaningful career pathways and understand the realities of different industries. Participation in this programme reinforces VGC’s dedication to inclusion, opportunity, and future talent development.
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