Inverness-shire business benefits from graduate work placement programme
Proterra Energy has become the first local business to take advantage of the Highland Council’s Graduate Placement programme.
The work placement scheme, which is delivered by Business Gateway Highland aims to help local companies take on a graduate to deliver a vital project it doesn’t have the resource or time to complete itself
Based in Drumnadrochit, Proterra Energy is a family-business that designs and installs micro hydro schemes throughout Scotland. The company applied for assistance through the scheme to help it take on a graduate who will proactively identify new hydro scheme sites, freeing up the owners’ time and increasing business efficiency.
With the assistance from their local Business Gateway office, the company has taken on Kieran Roberts, a 27-year-old from Borve, Isle of Skye who graduated from the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) with a degree in Countryside Management.
Terry Stebbings, Founder, Proterra Energy said: “We heard about the scheme through our Business Gateway Regional Development Officer in Inverness. We knew that by taking on a graduate to proactively identify suitable sites that we could potentially secure more work and in turn grow the business faster than we would have without him. Being a young company the first year can be the most challenging, getting support through this scheme has allowed us take on a new member of staff earlier than anticipated.”
He added: “Proterra Energy is a Highland company and a large part of our focus is on this area. As Kieran comes from and lives in the Highlands not only does he bring complementary skills learnt at SAC but an understanding of the area and its people. This is key for us as it will help us develop a successful and sustainable business whose focus is on providing renewable energy schemes for customers throughout the region.”
Alongside a local Business Gateway adviser, two recruitment advisers provide eligible businesses with specialist advice to help them through the application process – from identifying a business project to highlighting the best way to advertise and recruit a graduate.
Although companies are responsible for paying the graduate’s salary for the period of the project – which should last a minimum of six months and no longer than 12 – The Highland Council will fund 50 per cent of the salary up to a maximum salary of £16,300 per annum.
Mark MacKintosh, Regional Development Officer, Business Gateway said: “The Graduate Placement Scheme is another example of how The Highland Council and Business Gateway respond to local needs and we are pleased that local companies are already signing up and benefitting from it. The aim of the scheme is to help local businesses gain an employee who will target new markets, develop new projects, increase exports or enhance another aspect of the business that they feel is important to its development while at the same time providing the graduate with an opportunity to showcase their skills, gain exceptional experience and further develop their knowledge.”
To find out if your business is eligible for The Highland Council’s Graduate Placement Programme contact Business Gateway’s Recruitment Advisers: Emma Gunn on 07867 394347, emma.gunn@highland-opportunity.com or Marianne Ross on 07867 394346, marianne.ross@highland-opportunity.com
Business Gateway provides practical help, advice and support for new and growing businesses. In 2011 Business Gateway Highland helped 365 start-up businesses and provided support to over 860 existing businesses.