Working in a contact centre is more than just a job... it can be a lucrative and stable career. That's the message being sent out during an open evening at Inverness College on Tuesday (February 27).

Organised by the Highlands and Islands Contact Centre Forum (HICCF) the event will launch a campaign to update the public on the wide range of career opportunities available to people of all ages, circumstances and experience.
 
Around 3,000 are now employed in the sector which provides a whole range of services from IT / technical help to 'back office' processing.

While it has earned an unwelcome reputation nationwide for low pay and instability, these perceptions are not necessarily valid in this area say members of the HICCF. They are concerned that this negative view is preventing many from including the industry in their career choices.

The HICCF is supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The network's senior development manager for business transformation Joanne Blanusa said: "This campaign is designed to address some of the misconceptions held around the industry. The modern contact centre environment provides excellent career prospects with a wide range of opportunities.

"It's an industry that's here for the long term. The HIE area is fortunate in that it has attracted a range of high value activities. Although contracts do come and go, this is no different to any other sector which has to bid for and win contracts. Companies provide employees with a proper career path and the industry offers many benefits such as flexible working hours, extensive training and development and a good working environment.

"Operators need high calibre applicants to join their firms with the intention of staying, progressing and enjoying the rewards of making a real contribution to the growth of their business."

The Centre for Business Process Outsourcing, based in Inverness and the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, has been collaborating with HIE to increase innovation within the sector, helping to attract high value work which provides higher wages to the region.

To complement Tuesday's event, which starts at 5pm, a DVD has been produced profiling a range of case studies highlighting the industry's positive aspects, and defying the 'chicken coop' perception that the work has formerly attracted.

Joanne explained: "It's not a jobs fair. We simply want people to come along and learn more about the latest developments in the contact centre industry. We'd like people to see the DVD and look at some case studies of those currently working in the industry in the Highlands and Islands, and be pleasantly surprised we hope!"