50 plus jobs supported by HIE in Caithness and Sutherland in 2023/24
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in the area are set to see combined turnover rise by £22.4m, while international sales will grow by £661,000.
Make your life easier with a MyHIE account. It’ll save you time, help you find and organise content based on your needs and interests.
The Technology Placement Programme has been developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to ensure SMEs in the Highland Council area have access to the skills required to keep ahead of rapid changes in technology.
The programme will pair businesses up with a student or graduate who will bring innovative thinking, fresh talent and technological awareness into the workplace.
They will be able to help businesses with new initiatives such as developing new software; streamlining cybersecurity, manufacturing; or improving automation. The Programme aims to provide Highland businesses with a cost-effective route to sourcing expertise for business growth. It will also offer valuable experience for graduates and students, while providing incentive for young people to stay in or relocate to the area.
Student technology placements will last for up to 12 weeks, while graduate placements are available for up to 12 months. HIE will pay up to half the costs of the placement salary.
David Oxley, HIE’s director of business and sector development, said:
“The Technology Placement Programme will appeal to many businesses as it provides a cost-effective way for them to benefit from fresh ideas. At the same time, it gives students and graduates real experience in the working world, where they can put into practice the skills and knowledge gained from their studies.
“The programme complements our ScotGrad placement programme and our broader work on attracting and retaining talent in the region, particularly young people, which is crucial in meeting the recruitment needs of growth companies.”
The Technology Placement Programme is part of the technology and young people strand of the HIE-led Northern Innovation Hub (NIH). This is a set of projects to strengthen innovation and increase competitiveness among businesses across The Highland Council area. The NIH was awarded £11m by the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal along with £3m from the European Regional Development Fund and £2m from HIE.
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in the area are set to see combined turnover rise by £22.4m, while international sales will grow by £661,000.
There was support for businesses and social enterprises to lower emissions and improve efficiencies within their operations.
The project is expected to continue to attract innovative marine businesses, creating new well-paid job opportunities, particularly for young people, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
As a result of HIE support, businesses in the area will see total turnover rise by £14.5m and international sales by £1.9m.
Joanna Peteranna took up the role on 1 July.
A new report published today (Tuesday 16 July) outlines significant economic opportunities associated with reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Highlands and Islands.
Figures show HIE approved £1.5m investment across 18 Shetland projects in 2023-24
Figures compiled by HIE show that businesses and communities supported by the agency in 2023/24 are set to create or retain more than 1,200 jobs across the region.
Six talented young people working at HIE over the past two years have secured permanent positions, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable skills to HIE’s economic and community development efforts.
Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, has approved three-year terms as non-executive directors for Allan Clow and Melanie Collett.
Event in Portree on Saturday 27 April to encourage more people into the profession
The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Scotland’s enterprise agencies and the world’s largest shipbuilding company could bring economic benefits for the Highlands and Islands.