Over 200 new jobs in the IT industry are set to be created in Inverness through an innovative new training scheme.

Inverness and Nairn Enterprise has agreed to support the initiative, which will be run by leading IT services and management consultancy company, Cap Gemini Ernst and Young UK plc.  The training will provide a skilled workforce to meet demand in the growing number of high quality IT jobs in the area.

The aim is to recruit and train more than 200 new staff over the next year to provide Cap Gemini Ernst & Young with qualified personnel.

Individuals will be given induction training to Cap Gemini Ernst & Young and to specific client requirements.  Each employee will have a complete record of training and achievement, and training will provide transferable skills in information technology and customer relationship management.

The £640,000 assistance is the largest training grant yet to be awarded by Inverness and Nairn Enterprise.  Acting chief executive at INE, Stuart Black, said the initiative was part of the enterprise company's commitment to developing the skills base in the area's workforce.

"While it is important that we attract companies to the Highlands that provide quality jobs, it is equally important that we can provide suitably qualified and trained people to meet the demands of those companies.  I am delighted that we are able to support this project which will help to underpin the presence and growth of the IT sector in the Highlands and help the people of the area to gain recognised training qualifications and personal transferable skills."

Paul Spence, UK chief executive at Cap Gemini Ernst & Young commented;  "Cap Gemini Ernst & Young's continued investment in the Highlands and Islands, since it first established operations here in 1994, is testament to the high quality of staff and the excellent support we have received from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the local community. We look forward to continued success for our operations in the area".

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A colour photograph of Stuart Black, INE, and Paul Spence, CGEY, at the Inverness premises of CGEY is available from Trina Mclennan at HIE Communications on 01463 244 313.