19th October 2004
Overall, the number of people unemployed in Caithness and Sutherland fell from 745 last month to 742. The revised unemployment rates in the Sutherland, Wick and Thurso 'Travel to Work Areas' respectively are as follows (corresponding figures for last month are in brackets): 3.1% (3.3%), 4.4% (4.3%) and 2.5% (2.5%).
SKILLSEEKERS
467 people are currently on Skillseekers, 466 of whom are employed status trainees. There were a total of 9 vocational qualifications achieved, 4 of which were to Level III standard in engineering and electrical disciplines.
MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS
425 Modern Apprentices are currently in training, 93 of whom are over the age of 25. There were 4 MA certificates achieved.
TRAINING FOR WORK
12 participants are currently on Training for Work. Fiona Colquhoun, Wick achieved a Business Start Up Level III vocational qualification in.
NEW DEAL
43 participants started on Gateway, while a further 29 people went into a variety of employment and training options.
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
Alexander Macleod, Thurso, received approval of £97.50 towards the cost of undertaking Portable Appliance Testing training.
INITIAL INVESTMENT AND JOB CREATION
Artesia Natural & Precious Ltd, Calder received approval of £25,000 towards the cost of a marketing strategy.
BUSINESS SPECIALIST SKILLS
G F Nicolson, Wick, has been awarded up to £512 towards the cost of undertaking HGV training, while Robert Begg, Keiss, has been awarded up to £700 towards training in QuickBooks accounts software.
E-BUSINESS SUPPORT SCHEME
The Music Shop (Wick and Thurso) and The Game Factory, Bonar Bridge, have both received approval of assistance towards the cost of e-commerce website developments.
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE GRANTS
Sam Barlow is to receive up to £1,584 as a Croft Entrant in-goer towards the implementation of his development plan for 105 Torroble, Lairg. Michelle Bowley is to receive £1,436 as the out-goer.
APPROVALS FOR SEPTEMBER 2004
The following are funds approved during the month ending 30th September 2004. Please note that the sums relate to approvals, not payments. While finance may be approved, for a business investment for example, it does not guarantee that the developments will go ahead. The approval simply shows that CASE funds have been made available, but they will not be released until evidence is received that the project or activity has gone ahead.
SKILLSEEKERS - Vocational Qualifications achieved
Douglas Gunn, Halkirk, UKAEA, Engineering Maintenance Level III; Graeme Tait, Murkle, UKAEA, Engineering Maintenance Level III; Tony Gunn, Wick, NTP, Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Level III; Kevin Miller, Wick, SECTT, Installing & Comm. Electrotechnical Systems Level III; Jason Mackay, Wick, NTP, Vehicle Fitting - Fast Fit Technician Level II; Calum MacIntyre, Halkirk, MFGT, Vehicle Maintenance & Electronic Systems HV Level II; Calum Mackay, Armadale, North Highland College, Laboratory & Associated Technical Activities Level II;
Andrea O'Kane, Halkirk, North Highland College, Laboratory & Associated Technical Activities Level II; James Sutherland, Halkirk, North Highland College, Laboratory & Associated Technical Activities Level II
MODERN APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME - Modern Apprenticeship Certificates achieved
Douglas Gunn, Halkirk, UKAEA; Graeme Tait, Murkle, UKAEA; Tony Gunn, Wick
, NTP; Kevin Miller, Wick, SECTT
TRAINING FOR WORK - Vocational / other qualifications achieved
Fiona Colquhoun, Wick, Development Partners, Business Start-up Level III
SPECIALIST SKILLS
Alexander Macleod, Thurso, Portable Appliance Testing, £97.50
INITIAL INVESTMENT AND JOB CREATION
Artesia Natural & Precious Ltd, Calder, marketing strategy, £25,000 (1 cr)
BUSINESS SPECIALIST SKILLS
G F Nicolson, Wick, HGV training, £512; Robert Begg, Keiss, QuickBooks accounts,
£700
E-BUSINESS SUPPORT SCHEME
The Music Shop, Wick and Thurso, establishment of integrated e-commerce website,
£1,720; The Game Factory, Bonar Bridge, establishment of integrated e-commerce website,£2,425
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE GRANTS
Sam Barlow, Lairg, Croft Entrant ingoer, £1,584; Michelle Bowley, Lairg, Croft Entrant outgoer, £1,436