A new roadmap designed to tackle skills shortages and help more people build careers in Moray has been backed by Moray Council.
The Moray Workforce North Road Map has been endorsed by the council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee and brings together organisations across business, education, employability and economic development.
Rather than creating another collection of programmes, the plan is intended to better coordinate work already taking place across Moray.
Its five priorities include promoting local education and career opportunities, strengthening routes from education into employment and expanding apprenticeships and vocational learning.
It will also focus on helping people develop new skills throughout their careers and attracting and retaining working age people in Moray.
The roadmap was developed by the Moray Workforce Group following engagement with employers and partner organisations.
It arrives alongside a new pilot fund supporting employer led projects designed to help businesses recruit, retain and develop workers.
Eligible employers in priority areas including Net Zero, construction and the built environment, digital and data skills and STEM related subjects can apply until 30 October.
Councillor Marc Macrae, Chair of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, said:
“Moray has a strong economy and a talented workforce, but we also face challenges around skills shortages, recruitment and an ageing population.
“By working together, we can make sure Moray is well placed to benefit from future investment, create more opportunities for local people and attract new talent to the area.”
Claire Sim, Regional Skills Planning Lead at Skills Development Scotland, said:
“The Moray Road Map is an important milestone for the shared Workforce North mission.
“It highlights how public, private and third sector partners are working together to ensure the region has the skilled workforce needed to realise the opportunities of a once-in-a-generation period of investment.”
Moray Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Sarah Medcraf said:
“Businesses across Moray consistently tell us that access to the right skills and people is fundamental to their ability to grow.
“This Roadmap is an important step in bringing employers, education and partners closer together, ensuring that provision is shaped by real business need and that people can see clear pathways into good local jobs.”
Dr Euan Black, Deputy Principal at UHI Moray, said:
“UHI Moray is fully committed to supporting the Moray Workforce North Road Map and working alongside our partners to strengthen the connection between education and local employment.
“By expanding vocational learning, developing apprenticeships, and creating clear pathways into the workforce, we can equip our learners with the skills local employers need most.
“This collaborative approach will play a vital role in retaining talent and building sustainable careers right here in Moray.”
Progress will be monitored by the Moray Workforce Group, with the wider Workforce North initiative being led across the Highlands and Islands by Skills Development Scotland.
