Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has commissioned the study into the changing attitudes and aspirations of people aged 15 to 30 in relation to the Highlands and Islands, and wants to make sure the voice of young people on the west coast is heard.
The online survey will build on a similar study carried out in 2015, which demonstrated an overwhelming sense of pride and confidence in the region among the 4,400 young people who took part.
This showed that young people in Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross have strong pride in their local community, and many want to stay or return to live and work in the area. Employment opportunities, choice and chance for progression were seen as barriers, and many also felt there was an expectation for young people to leave to achieve their aspirations, especially in higher education.
The new study is exploring opportunities around education, training and employment for the age group, and how these can be maximised.
Those taking part can enter a prize draw, with prizes including tickets to Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and Groove Loch Ness, as well as vouchers for Spotify and Netflix.
There have been more than a thousand responses to the survey so far, 116 of them from Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross.
Susan Smith, HIE’s interim area manager for the patch, said:
“Young economically active people are absolutely key to the future prosperity of our area and the Highlands and Islands generally. They are also crucial in the long-term sustainability of communities.
“This is an important study and we want to make sure the views of young people across Caithness and Sutherland are properly represented in the study.
“The findings will be shared with all our partners and will help inform policy and activities in relation to both population growth and young talent attraction and retention across the region.”
Young people can access the online survey at www.hie.co.uk/yp-research . It takes around 15 minutes to complete and is running until the end of July.
Related Articles
New head of business growth keen to support more businesses
Liam Orr is to focus on expanding the agency’s portfolio of business clients.
Area team leader appointed at HIE in Orkney
Highlands and Islands Enterprise has announced a new senior appointment to lead its Orkney based team.
Contract awarded for Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray
A £1.3m contract has been awarded for the refurbishment of a building on Enterprise Park Forres to create the new Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM).
New support programme launched for food and drink sector
Food and Drink TechHUB will provide financial and advice support to help businesses, including social and community enterprises, with commercial growth and net zero transition activities.
New fund announced to support growth in life sciences sector
The funding can help cover the costs of equipment, new technology or fixtures and fittings, or to construct, adapt or upgrade business premises or other infrastructure.
Cairngorm Mountain chief executive to retire
CMSL board member Tim Hurst will become interim chief executive
50 plus jobs supported by HIE in Caithness and Sutherland in 2023/24
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in the area are set to see combined turnover rise by £22.4m, while international sales will grow by £661,000.
650+ jobs supported by HIE in Inner Moray Firth in 2023/24
There was support for businesses and social enterprises to lower emissions and improve efficiencies within their operations.