The future of skills development for the business sectors of the Highlands and Islands is being mapped out to ensure people and businesses in the area realise their full potential, in the new millennium, and that local businesses maintain a strong competitive advantage.

Ten key economic sectors have been identified in a new consultation document, ranging from knowledge, information and technology to food and drink, tourism and community groups, with training priorities outlined for each.

The draft plan has been prepared by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) with input from partner organisations. Their newly-appointed director of skills development is Douglas MacDiarmid, a former chief executive of Lochaber Limited and current head of inward investment at HIE.

He said: "There is a real need to ensure the right training is being carried out, matching supply and demand and allowing the Highlands and Islands workforce and the area's businesses to move forward.

"As the economy changes and develops, new skills are continuously going to be required by businesses if they are to remain competitive, and by people if they are to win jobs. A pragmatic plan like this, drawing on the current and projected requirements of a wide range of organisations, will lay strong foundations for the area's future."

In a bid to attract as much comment as possible, 400 copies of the draft strategy have been widely circulated to local authorities, agencies, businesses and other interested parties.

The document outlines the HIE Network's priorities for creating a competent, capable and flexible workforce to serve present and future Highland businesses and it points to the need for creativity, innovation and improved skill levels, especially in the use of information technology (IT).

The strategy pays particular attention on how to help people who find it difficult to enter or remain in work.

The need to develop skills and attributes relevant to new employment opportunities is also highlighted and this will be achieved by encouraging reliability, adaptability and a positive attitude to work. The improvement of core skills like numeracy and literacy are also stressed.

Management and leadership skills are also emphasised, which would enable individuals and businesses in the Highlands and Islands to become more competitive.

Copies of the draft strategy are available from Anne Murray at Highlands and Islands Enterprise on 01463 244332 and can also be accessed from the 'What's New' section of the HIE web site on www.hie.co.uk.

Final comments on the document are being invited by Monday 27 March 2000. The revised plan will be published later in the spring.