Graduate placement information for employers

Who can you recruit?

Recent graduates who are qualified at HND or above.

Who selects?

You – against your own company’s job description.  Please click here for a downloadable job description template.

What will the graduate do?

Work on a specific project YOU identify, one you could not otherwise undertake. The project aim should be to develop new ideas, products or services, perhaps research new markets or other opportunities including employment. We can consider any project provided it is additional to your normal operational activity. 

Please click here for a downloadable outline for a project plan.  This must be completed and returned to us for approval before the graduate starts with your company. 

What will it cost my company?

The minimum salary level is £15,000 per annum; HIE Caithness and Sutherland will contribute £7,000 for a 12 month placement for a minimum 30 hour week.   You will be responsible for NI, PAYE, and all health and safety aspects.   The HIE Caithness and Sutherland contribution may be claimed in quarterly instalments of £1,750.

Can I retain the graduate at the end of the placement?

One of the principal aims of the programme is to attract and retain young graduates back to the area and to strengthen local businesses by way of graduate input.

What's involved?

Salary contribution as outlined above.

HIE Caithness and Sutherland will take an active part in the Graduate Placement with a kick-off meeting, being followed by quarterly reviews.

A £1,000 training budget is available for each Graduate Placement.  This is dependant on the company considering wider workforce development.  Graduates will also be offered free access to our programme of Leadership and Management courses.  During the course of the year, a competition will be run for graduates with the opportunity to win a place on one of the Tall Ships Challenges.

Employers will be expected to take an active part in any Graduate networking events or Graduate Fair.

For further details or informal discussion, please contact Anne Sutherland.