Ross-shire businesses benefit from graduate work placement programme
Pat Munro (Alness) Ltd, one of the largest private contractors operating in the Highlands, and Blueprint Architecture, a local architect, are the first Ross-shire businesses 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
Set up in 1945, Pat Munro Ltd, based at Caplich Quarry, Alness, has become a recognised name in the civil engineering and utility sectors; owning its own quarries and manufacturing its own roadstone and concrete.
The company applied for assistance through the scheme to help it take on a graduate who would assist in the evaluation of business development opportunities within the Pat Munro Ltd group of companies.
With support from Business Gateway and a grant from The Highland Council the company has taken on Christina Ntigrintaki, a 25-year-old, from Greece who graduated from Athens University of Economics & Business with a BSc in Accounting & Finance.
Brian Munro, Director, Pat Munro Ltd said: “At Pat Munro Ltd, we recognise that it is vital for the future of our industry that we give graduates the opportunity to get into the work environment as soon as possible, after attaining their qualification. As such, we felt that this was an excellent programme and we were happy to support it and would certainly encourage other businesses to do likewise. It has allowed us to create a full-time position which would not have otherwise been possible.”
Based in Tain, Blueprint was started in 2005 by chartered architect Duncan MacDonald. Since moving to 8 Tower Street the business has grown steadily over the last few years. The practice works for both domestic and commercial clients and specialises in bespoke house design and work on Listed Buildings.
The company applied for assistance through the scheme to help it take on a graduate who would help with the marketing of the business and develop its ability to take on larger commissions.
With support from Business Gateway and a grant from the Highland Council the company has taken on Finlay McGhee, a 21-year-old from Milngavie, Glasgow, who graduated from Strathclyde University with a degree in Architecture.
Duncan MacDonald, Director, Blueprint Architecture said: “The graduate placement programme has given my business the ability to have someone look at marketing and development, as well as assisting with other architectural projects being worked on in the office. Without the grant scheme it would not have been feasible for me to take someone on full-time and without an additional member of staff, I realised that the amount the business would grow was very limited. Finlay’s ideas for a new website, brochure and how to market the practice have been helpful and impressive.”
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.
Kenny MacKay, Regional Development Officer, Business Gateway said: “The Graduate Placement Scheme is a great example of how The Highland Council and Business Gateway respond to local needs and we are pleased that Pat Munro Ltd and Blueprint Architecture are benefitting from it. The aim of the scheme is to help local businesses take on an employee who will help them target new markets, increase exports or develop a new business improvement project. At the same time graduates, like Christina and Finlay, get the opportunity to show what they can do and gain valuable work experience that exploits and develops their talent.”
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