Major investment is set to create new opportunities across the Highlands and Islands, but employers will need the right people and skills in place to make the most of them.

Workforce North is a regional partnership bringing together employers, educators and public sector organisations to help address workforce challenges and ensure local people can benefit from opportunities emerging across the region.

By working collaboratively, partners are helping businesses attract, develop and retain the talent they need.

This September, employers are being invited to take part in a series of Shape Your Workforce events taking place in Fort William, Elgin, Wick and Inverness.

The free events will give employers practical advice, local insight and direct routes to support for building the workforce they need now and in the future.

Participants will hear from employers, partners, learning providers and apprentices while exploring the support available to employers across the Highlands and Islands.

Topics under discussion will include apprenticeships, workforce planning, talent attraction, employee development and workforce engagement.

The sessions will also provide an opportunity for businesses to share experiences, discuss workforce challenges and explore practical solutions alongside other employers facing similar opportunities and pressures.

As investment accelerates across the region, many organisations are already taking steps to strengthen workforce pipelines and create opportunities for local people to enter, progress and build careers in growing areas of the economy.

John Pocock, Portfolio Director – Asset Operational and Maintenance (AOM), RSE:

“Our role is not just to attract talent, but to create an environment where people can thrive and develop their skills in the region.”

“Our growing need for talent isn’t just about numbers; we are focused on building a curious and highly competent workforce, both now and for the future.”

Employers attending the events will hear first-hand experiences from businesses already investing in skills, workforce development and talent attraction.

They will also have the opportunity to learn more about practical support available and explore approaches that could work for their own organisation.

Apprenticeships are already helping young people across the region build practical skills while gaining valuable workplace experience.

Charlotte Grant, Modern Apprentice Scientist, Scottish Water:

“There are so many different apprenticeships that I had no idea I could do before I left school.

“There’s probably an apprenticeship out there for what you want to do.”

The events will also highlight ways employers can engage with future talent, from apprenticeships and careers activity to mentoring opportunities linked to the Workforce Response Team pilot.

These opportunities can help young people build confidence, understand the world of work and explore future career options.

Workforce North partners are also developing a new Co-Investment Fund to support employer-led workforce development across the Highlands and Islands.

The Fund is being shaped around business needs and aims to help employers ensure they have the people and skills required for future opportunities.

Whether through apprenticeships, workforce planning, mentoring or wider employer engagement, businesses have an important role to play in helping local people access opportunity while supporting the long-term success of the Highlands and Islands economy.

For employers looking to attract talent, develop skills or plan ahead, the Shape Your Workforce events offer a practical starting point.