A new drive to increase the number of apprenticeships across the Highlands and to support people into jobs is taking to the road in the Highlands.
Employers, jobseekers and local residents across Golspie, Dornoch and Tain are being encouraged to explore apprenticeship opportunities, skills development and career pathways when the Workforce North 500 advice van visits from 27th to 29th October.
The initiative aims to connect local people and employers with the advice, support and opportunities they need to help build the workforce of the future, bringing services directly into communities.
The roadshow comes as the Workforce North partnership works towards an ambition to support 500 new apprenticeship starts across the Highlands and Islands.
Anthony Standing from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) said:
“Employers have a vital role to play in achieving this goal, with apprenticeships offering a practical way to recruit new talent, upskill existing employees and develop the skills businesses need to grow and thrive.
“By considering apprenticeships when recruiting or investing in staff development, employers can help build a stronger pipeline of local talent while creating valuable opportunities for people to develop their skills and careers close to home.
“However, accessing the right advice and support can be challenging for businesses and individuals in rural areas, where distance, travel costs and the geography of the Highlands can create barriers to engagement.”
The WFN500 van has been developed to help address these challenges, bringing partners together in local communities to make it easier for people to find out what support is available and take their next steps.
Using the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) E-Van as a mobile advice hub, the roadshow will bring together organisations working across employment, skills, careers, apprenticeships and workforce development.
Employers can find out how apprenticeships could benefit their business, including opportunities to recruit new talent, develop existing staff and access relevant advice and support.
For those considering their next career move, the WFN500 van will also provide an opportunity to explore apprenticeships, skills development, careers advice and other pathways into employment.
The roadshow reflects Workforce North’s wider ambition to connect people, employers and partners with opportunities emerging from significant investment across the Highlands and Islands.
By strengthening links between local talent and employers, the partnership aims to help communities benefit from future growth while supporting businesses to develop the workforce they need.
Collaboration is central to the initiative, with Workforce North, Skills Development Scotland, the Department for Work and Pensions, The Highland Council and other local partners working together to create a more joined-up experience.
Bringing organisations together in one place means employers and individuals can start conversations, access information and identify potential next steps without having to navigate different services separately.
The visits will also help demonstrate how integrated outreach can improve access to support in rural and remote communities, with the potential to inform similar initiatives in the future.
Ultimately, the focus is on making opportunity more accessible: helping employers invest in people, supporting individuals to develop their skills and ensuring local communities are better connected to the jobs and careers emerging across the region.
Employers, young people, families and anyone interested in exploring their options are encouraged to drop by, meet the partners and have a conversation about the opportunities and support available.
Drop in or book an appointment by phoning 01463 382 990.
Where to find the WFN500 van:
- 27th October – Fountain Road Hall, Golspie, 12- 4pm
- 28th October – UHI Campus, Dornoch, 12 – 4pm
- 29th October – Duthac Centre, Tain, 12 – 4pm
Funding to support workforce growth
Looking to recruit, retain or develop your workforce?
The Workforce North Co-Investment Fund is a new pilot fund supporting employer-led activity to help businesses recruit, retain and develop the people they need.
The Fund supports activity linked to skills development, apprenticeships, workforce pipelines and new approaches to shared workforce challenges.
Join a free 30-minute employer webinar to find out more about the Fund, the funding opportunities available, examples of activity that could be supported and how to access support.
The session will also help employers prepare for the next application window, expected to open on 30 November 2026
Choose from two sessions:
- Tuesday 10 November, 1pm–1.30pm
- Thursday 26 November, 12pm–12.30pm
Visit the Workforce North Events page to book your place: https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/wfnevents
