Workforce North
Over the next 10 to 15 years, the Highlands and Islands are set to benefit from over £100 billion in investment, driven by renewable energy generation, transmission and distribution.
This presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the regional economy. However, with a declining and aging population, the region faces a significant workforce challenge.
To address this, a new initiative, Workforce North, has been launched by Skills Development Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the University of the Highlands and Islands, and key partners including Highland Council and the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.
By working closely with local businesses and inward investors, the initiative will promote and support co-investment in talent development and retention to create long-term opportunities for communities across the Highlands and Islands.
Workforce North was established following a Convention of the Highlands and Islands decision in Autumn 2024.
A Workforce Summit event was held on 4 April 2025. Attendees included employers, inward investors and public sector decision makers.
A paper was prepared in advance of the Summit and shared with delegates:
The Highlands and Islands Workforce Summit: Strengthening the Regional Workforce
Feedback from the Summit and subsequent partner engagement informed a second paper which includes an action plan. Please see a link to the latest version, August 2025 - version 2.0.
Workforce North: A shared mission to grow and expand our workforce
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Find out more about the Workforce North summit held in Inverness in April.