Workforce North
A once-in-a-generation chance to shape your future in the Highlands and Islands.
Across the Highlands and Islands, a new energy is building.Workforce North is a regional partnership created to connect people, employers and partners with opportunities emerging from the major investment in renewables, construction and infrastructure over the next 10 years. |
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By providing clear routes into jobs, apprenticeships and training, Workforce North helps people build careers close to home and attract talent from out with the region. For employers, it offers insight into workforce needs and access to talent. For partners and policy makers, it supports a coordinated approach to turning investment into long-term economic growth. Backed by partners across industry, education and government, Workforce North is uniting people, place and opportunity - so talent, families and ambition stay rooted in the region. |
Workforce North Partners
Workforce North is powered by collaboration. Our partners span industry, education, and government, working together to create opportunities and build a skilled workforce for the Highlands and Islands. This collective effort ensures investment translates into long-term economic growth and benefits for communities across the region.
The partnership includes:
Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Funding Council, Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, University of the Highlands and Islands, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, HI-REP, Department for Work & Pensions, Developing the Young Workforce, Highland Council, Argyll & Bute Council, Orkney Islands Council, Moray Council, North Ayrshire Council, Shetland Islands Council, and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
Together, we’re powering a stronger future for the Highlands and Islands.
Why Workforce North Matters
Over £100 billion of investment is planned for the Highlands and Islands over the next decade. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the regional economy - but success depends on building the skilled workforce needed to help deliver these projects.
Where are the opportunities?
The new investment requires people to support renewable energy, construction, engineering and infrastructure projects. These include technical jobs such as engineers, but also a range of support roles in finance, procurement, HR and marketing.
The region also has demand to replace and top up jobs in a wide range of sectors including tourism & hospitality, health & social care and community services.
These sectors offer opportunities for young people about to leave school, for adults looking to switch careers, for people already resident in the region and for people who live elsewhere who are interested in relocating.
Real projects. Real jobs. Real opportunity.
Watch the Workforce North film
Discover the story of investment and opportunity shaping the Highlands and Islands - and what this means for people, employers and communities across the region.
Discover more
Catch up on the latest Workforce North milestones and regional events. From action plans and summits to collaborative initiatives, explore how partners and employers are shaping the future of skills and jobs across the Highlands and Islands.
- Moray Pathways Energy Summit Video - video recap of a summit focused on energy careers and workforce development.
- Workforce North Event Spotlights Highland Economy - the Call to Action event brought employers and educators together.
- Deputy First Minister formally launches Workforce North - a visit to SSEN in Inverness to meet employers and partners.
- Highland Workforce Summit Looks to Unlock Growth - regional summit focused on workforce resilience, skills gaps, and co-investment strategies across Highlands & Islands.
Stay informed with industry updates and success stories driving workforce growth. Discover new training initiatives, employer commitments, and innovative projects creating opportunities in energy, engineering, construction and beyond.
Access key documents and insights that guide Workforce North’s strategy. Explore plans, research, and reports that outline how we’re building a skilled, resilient workforce for the region’s future.
- A paper was prepared in advance of April’s summit event 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. See the latest version from August 2025: Workforce North: A shared mission to grow and expand our workforce
- An Operational Roadmap for the Highland Council local authority region was agreed in December 2025. View the roadmap.
A Workforce North Employer Group was established to create an influential employer voice to shape the skills and workforce agenda for the Highlands and Islands.
Find out more - Workforce North Employer Group
