An ambitious project aimed at finding teleworking jobs at home for people with disabilities has started to expand its recruitment drive throughout the Highlands and Islands.

Inverness-based Netmark Management Ltd has set its sights on creating employment opportunities for up to 40 people in its first year.

During the recruitment process a personalised training and development plan is drawn up, which allows Netmark to match existing skills and the trainee's aspirations to the clients' needs.

Already a total of 24 people have begun the process of being equipped and trained with the necessary skills to undertake work using computer technology.

Allan Brewster, Netmark's managing director, said: "We are delighted at the progress made at this stage of the process having just launched in April.

"We anticipate being in a position to offer employment to a number of the first group of recruits within a matter of weeks."

Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE) is supporting the venture with an investment package worth £50,000.  The recently launched PICT (Producing Information Communications Technology) programme, which aims to turn innovative IT ideas into business ventures, is also helping the company.

Netmark Management also enjoys support and sponsorship from a variety of organisations and companies including, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Employment Service, Omnitech Ltd, Microsoft, Ceannard Ltd, Thus Plc, PC Warehouse, Highland Office equipment Ltd, and the Ramada Jarvis Hotel.

Once up and running, the teleworkers will use a newly developed internet based workgroup and task management system.

The business aims to target local organisations and small business that require a personalised service for the provision of back office services or technical support as well as larger organisations that have started a programme of outsourcing.  Microsoft has already committed to the employment of suitably trained teleworkers for technical helpdesk staff.

Mr Brewster said the inclusion of people largely excluded from the labour market due to a disability is a human resource for too long ignored, and their inclusion not only satisfies a social need but will benefit the economy of the Highlands.

He said: "Currently, the recruits we have are from the Inverness area, but it is our intention beyond the summer to extend recruitment to the Western Isles, the west coast, Orkney and the far north.

"The training for each individual is unique and depends on their own personal skills. The jobs they are ultimately found are designed on their skills and aspirations."

He added: "Through our training and development we aim to provide sustainable employment opportunities for people from disadvantaged situations."

Marshall Doig, head of business management at RACE said: "We are clearly pleased that this project is well progressed and is on target to creating a significant number of new jobs.

"The project is a very attractive one for RACE because of its obvious social and economic benefits."