New Industry Connect Highland programme to strengthen links between schools and employers

17th September 2026

Secondary schools and employers across the Highlands are coming together through a new partnership programme designed to connect classroom learning with future career opportunities and help develop the Highlands future workforce.

Industry Connect Highland, developed through My Highland Future and Workforce North, will run throughout the 2026/27 academic year with an initial focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The programme will bring together schools and employers from the engineering, infrastructure and construction sectors to co-design curriculum-linked learning experiences that demonstrate how classroom learning relates to real careers.

Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “Industry Connect Highland will bring schools, employers and young people together to create meaningful learning experiences that connect education with future careers. By sharing real-world experience, industry expertise and insight into career pathways, employers can help pupils make informed choices, develop key skills and raise aspirations, helping to build the workforce needed to support the Highland economy and communities for years to come.”

Employers will work alongside teachers to provide industry knowledge, workplace insight and practical experiences that support the development of technical, employability and transferable skills. Activities may include classroom sessions, industry challenges, workshops, demonstrations, site visits and career awareness events.

The programme aims to increase awareness of local career opportunities, apprenticeships and further and higher education pathways while building long-term partnerships between schools and employers that support both learner aspirations and workforce needs.

The programme officially launched this week with schools, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) partners and employers coming together for a planning and co-design event, providing an opportunity to build relationships and shape activities for the year ahead.

A NEW £2 million Workforce North Co-Investment Fund is open to applications, providing employers across the Highlands with support to recruit, train and develop the skilled workforce needed to meet future demand.

The Highland Council has contributed an additional £1.2 million to the seed fund - delivered through Workforce North and Skills Development Scotland - to support local businesses.

Find out more and apply at: Workforce North Co-Investment Fund
https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/what-we-do/skills-planning/workforce-north/workforce-north-co-investment-fund

 

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