A new drive to increase apprenticeships and support people into jobs is taking to the road across the Highlands.
Employers, jobseekers and residents in Golspie, Dornoch and Tain are encouraged to explore apprenticeship opportunities, skills development and career pathways as Workforce North partners bring support aboard DWP’s Employability Van from 27 to 29 October.
The initiative connects local people and employers with advice, support and opportunities to help build the workforce of the future by bringing services directly into communities.
The roadshow comes as the Workforce North partnership works 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 initiative 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 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, WFN500 will also provide an opportunity to explore apprenticeships, skills development, careers advice and other pathways into employment.
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.
Cllr Ken Gowans, Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair at The Highland Council, said, “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.”
Emma Hendry, Senior Operations Leader for DWP’s North Scotland District, said, “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.”
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