Highland businesses can now apply for support from a new £2 million fund designed to help employers recruit, train and develop the workforce needed for the region’s next wave of economic growth.
The Workforce North Co Investment Fund opened on 1 September, with Highland Council contributing £1.2 million as the region prepares for an anticipated £100 billion of investment across the Highlands and Islands over the next 15 years.
Delivered through Workforce North and Skills Development Scotland, the fund brings public and private investment together to help employers tackle skills shortages and prepare for growing demand.
Initial funding will concentrate on sectors expected to experience significant growth, including renewable energy, construction, digital and data skills, and STEM related careers.
Businesses will be able to seek support for training and upskilling existing employees, moving workers into new roles, helping people into employment and recruiting Modern Apprentices.
The fund has been divided into three streams called Grow, Innovate and Accelerate.
Grow will support immediate workforce development including training, reskilling, workforce pipeline activity and apprenticeship recruitment.
Innovate will support the development and testing of new approaches to workforce and skills challenges, while Accelerate will help successful approaches expand across sectors and communities.
Applications are open to employers operating across the Highlands and Islands, including micro businesses, small and medium sized businesses, supply chain companies supporting major projects, council services and arm’s length external organisations.
Highland Council Leader Raymond Bremner said:
“The Highlands are entering a period of significant economic opportunity, with major investment expected in sectors including renewable energy, construction and infrastructure.
“To help our region realise its potential, The Highland Council has committed £1.2 million to the Workforce North Co-Investment Fund, which will play an important role in shaping the long-term socio-economic prosperity of the region by unlocking co-investment between the public and private sectors and supporting employer-led workforce development.
“As lead partner and accountable body, The Highland Council is committed to helping businesses access the skills they need, creating opportunities for local people and ensuring the benefits of future investment are felt across our communities.”
Council Convener Bill Lobban said:
“This is an investment in our people, businesses and communities.
“By helping employers address skills gaps, recruit and retain talent, and create high-quality career opportunities, the fund will create opportunities for people to live, work and study in the Highlands, supporting depopulation and strengthening our communities.
“Initial funding will focus on sectors expected to see significant growth and investment, and I encourage businesses to visit the Workforce North website to find out more about the support available and submit an application.”
Employers can also learn more through Workforce North’s Shape Your Workforce programme, with events planned in Elgin, Wick and Inverness during September following an earlier session in Fort William.
The council also intends to work with its contractors to identify further opportunities to support the fund and create a longer term pipeline of investment in skills and training.
Find out more and apply at: Workforce North Co-Investment Fund
