Workforce North is a regional partnership bringing together employers, educators and public sector organisations to connect people with the opportunities emerging from major investment in renewable energy, construction, engineering and infrastructure across the Highlands and Islands. 

By creating clear pathways into careers, training and apprenticeships, the partnership aims to ensure local people can benefit from the region’s economic transformation while helping employers build the skilled workforce they need. 

The partnership is also informed by the Workforce North Employer Group, which brings together senior leaders from industry and key regional influencers to share insight on workforce challenges, emerging skills needs and long-term opportunities.

Their experience helps shape strategic discussions linked to the Workforce North Action Plan, ensuring employer perspectives are reflected as activity develops across the Highlands and Islands. 

An estimated potential £100 billion of investment could be delivered across the Highlands and Islands over the next decade, representing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the regional economy. 

Realising that opportunity, however, depends on attracting, developing and retaining the skilled workforce needed to deliver these projects. 

The investment pipeline is expected to support thousands of jobs during construction and create long-term careers across the region. 

From offshore wind and hydropower to solar energy, transmission infrastructure and emerging low-carbon technologies, the region is playing a leading role in Scotland’s journey towards net zero while creating rewarding careers that will shape its future. 

As of October 2025, around 92,700 people were employed in Scotland’s energy sector. 

Offshore wind alone is expected to see significant growth, with the workforce projected to increase from around 9,000 to more than 40,000 between now and 2029. 

The sector offers more than 80 different career pathways, spanning project management, engineering, environmental science, operations, maintenance, health and safety, digital technology and many other specialist disciplines. 

“The Highlands is entering a period of significant investment in infrastructure, renewable energy, water and manufacturing projects, creating a growing demand for skilled people across engineering and construction. 

“For young people, this presents a fantastic opportunity to build a rewarding career through apprenticeships, further education or graduate pathways, while helping to deliver the sustainable future our region needs.” – Mike Campbell, Apprenticeship Programme Manager, RSE. 

“There are more opportunities than ever for young people to start a career in the Highlands, particularly in renewable energy, transmission, and infrastructure industries, with a range of pathways available.

“This can be a lifelong and rewarding journey across a range of exciting disciplines, so it’s a very exciting time to be building a career in the Highlands.” – David Duguid, Operations Director, Aurora Energy. 

Alongside renewable energy, engineering and construction will play a vital role in delivering the region’s future. 

Every new wind farm, substation, transmission line, port upgrade and infrastructure Workforce North project relies on skilled engineers, surveyors, technicians, project managers and construction professionals to bring it to life. 

Construction is one of Scotland’s largest and most diverse industries and is central to achieving the country’s net zero ambitions. 

Employing around 190,000 people, the sector is expected to require at least 10,000 additional workers by 2028, with growing demand for both traditional trades and emerging green construction roles. 

Engineering is equally critical to the Highlands and Island’s future. 

Around 120,000 people already work in engineering across Scotland, and demand continues to grow as investment accelerates. 

Employers are seeking civil, mechanical and electrical engineers, project managers, technicians, quantity surveyors and skilled tradespeople to design, build, operate and maintain the infrastructure that will support Scotland’s transition to a low-carbon economy. 

“With development and investment growing across the North, the demand for a highly skilled, dedicated local workforce has never been more critical. 

“Building a sustainable, local employment pipeline is essential to keeping talent directly within the region.” – Callum Cruden, Director, RI Cruden. 

One of the strengths of these sectors is the variety of routes into employment. Whether through apprenticeships, college courses, university degrees or employer- led training, there are opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.