Highlands and Islands Enterprise
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Case study

4C Engineering

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Supporting young people development

A close-knit team of creative engineers, 4c Engineering enjoy getting stuck into challenging technical problems, devising high quality solutions and nurturing the next generation of talent. Continuing its long-standing commitment to supporting young people, 4c Engineering has hosted several placements over the past five years – most recently, a 12-week student placement during summer 2023 with help from the Northern Innovation Hub’s Technology Placement Programme. 

With a commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent, 4c Engineering project manager and placement lead, Peter MacDonald, said:

“Young people are the future and we as local employers have a moral obligation to play an active part in their development. There is a huge demand for work experience opportunities, moving students out of the comfort zone of academia to widen their skillset and confidence, and help them understand what they want to focus on after university. However, the availability of funding can often constrain these valuable opportunities.” 

The placement proved extremely beneficial, with Emma making a substantial and innovative contribution to our business. Her fresh perspectives and positive disruption rejuvenated our office dynamics. 

Peter MacDonald, Project Manager, 4c Engineering
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Bringing a fresh and innovative perspective

The Northern Innovation Hub's Technology Placement Programme offers organisations of all sizes in the Highland Council area up to 70% funding for a student or graduate placement to help businesses keep up with the pace of technological change and accelerate growth through innovation. 

Highlighting the opportunities for both student and business, Peter reflected on student Emma Chan’s 12-week NIH placement: 

"The placement proved extremely beneficial, with Emma making a substantial and innovative contribution to our business. Her fresh perspectives and positive disruption rejuvenated our office dynamics. 

"Emma and I experimented with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to help streamline our practices and found it particularly helpful in capturing transcripts from Teams meetings and interviews. This has now become a valuable tool for the business which has enhanced our efficiency. 

"Exploring new technologies, such as AI, can be a challenge for companies amid their busy schedules. Emma's input helped us not only identify how it can be used to our advantage but accelerated the company-wide adoption of this technology.” 

4c Engineering have continued to support Emma since her placement, and ensured she was named as a contributing author on the project report she helped produce. 

 

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HIE's innovation service can provide you with expert advice and funding to help you get your ideas off the ground.

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About the Northern Innovation Hub

This programme is delivered through the Northern Innovation Hub, a funding programme designed to build on and accelerate business innovation.

The Northern Innovation Hub was awarded £11m from the UK Government as part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal. The deal is a joint initiative supported by £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, Highland Council, HIE and the University of the Highlands and Islands. This programme also receives financial support through the European Regional Development Fund Scotland Programme.

Explore all business support delivered through the Northern Innovation Hub.

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