ScotGrad

Support for businesses employing graduates or students. 

What it is

ScotGrad is a Scotland-wide programme operated by HIE and Scottish Enterprise. The programme provides funding to account managed clients who want to employ a graduate or student to deliver a specific project for their business.

Since its establishment in 2013, ScotGrad has been working with employers across the Highlands and Islands to source talented graduates and students whose new ideas, skills and up-to-date knowledge help organisations reach their ambitions.

Who's it for?

Eligible account managed businesses must have the ambition and potential to trade outwith the region and achieve high growth, or to deliver significant benefits within a fragile area.

How does it work? 

Projects are delivered for up to 12 months and are tailored to the needs of the business or social enterprise. Graduates gain a valuable first step in their careers, and an incentive to stay in or relocate to the Highlands and Islands. The projects are innovative and are often focused around digital, internationalisation or product development.

Businesses also discover the great benefits of employing young people, with many offering further employment once the fixed-term placement has ended. For social enterprises, a graduate project can make a big impact on enhancing the sustainability of not-for-profit organisations with a social or community focus.

ScotGrad’s wider partners include the Scottish Government, Skills Development Scotland and the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Service.  In our region, the programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the ESIF Programme 2014-2020. 

Visit the ScotGrad website to find out more >