Employability Challenge Funds launched

Utilising Scottish Government funding in support of No One Left Behind, Highland Council on behalf of the Highland Employability Partnership has launched two challenge funds designed to help people living in the Highlands who could benefit from employability support services.

The Highland Employability Partnership (HEP) aims to work with individuals and employers to raise as many Highland residents as possible out of poverty through sustainable and fair work; supporting those who face multiple barriers into employment and enabling progression out of poverty for those already in work.

The first of the schemes, the Community Engagement Challenge Fund is targeted at Highland based community organisations who can apply for a grant of up to £10,000 to help engage with and identify people living locally who would benefit from employability support. 

The second, the Innovation Challenge Fund is open to public and third sector organisations operating in the Highlands to apply for funds of up to £50,000 to develop innovative approaches to support people experiencing challenges which prevent them from progressing towards and within employment.

Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee Cllr Ken Gowans said: “The Economy and Infrastructure Committee recently approved the Highland Employability Partnership 3-year Delivery Plan and I am delighted to see these challenge funds launched on behalf of the partnership.  Alleviating poverty in Highland by helping people into work or helping parents already in employment to up-skill and progress are important tasks that can only be addressed by partners working together and reaching out to communities across the area.”

Both schemes are open until 5pm on Monday 24 October 2022 and information can be accessed via the Highland Council website at www.highland.gov.uk/employability