Caithness Business Fund has announced the launch of a new pilot Graduate Placement Scheme, aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Caithness and North Sutherland attract and retain graduate talent.
Backed by NRS Dounreay and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), the scheme will provide eligible businesses with grant funding covering up to 70% of salary costs for a two-year period to employ a graduate in a newly created role.
The initiative is designed to support businesses working in key regional growth sectors—including energy, food and drink, space, and tourism—as well as those operating in areas with recognised skills shortages.
Applications are now open. As this is a pilot scheme, funding is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested businesses are strongly encouraged to contact Caithness Business Fund before submitting an application.
This announcement follows Caithness Business Fund’s celebration in April 2025 of a £250,000 investment from Focus North partners NRS Dounreay and the NDA. This funding not only enables the launch of the pilot graduate scheme but also strengthens the Fund’s two existing apprenticeship grant programmes.
Trudy Morris, CEO of Caithness Chamber of Commerce and Director of Caithness Business Fund, said:
“Developing local talent, opening up meaningful career opportunities, and addressing outward migration of skills from the region are essential to securing a prosperous future for the North Highlands. We’re delighted to launch this innovative new scheme.
The substantial backing from NRS Dounreay and the NDA reflects the Fund’s strong track record—supporting the creation of 13 new apprenticeships over the past year alone. The Fund is already helping to build a stronger, more resilient workforce, and this latest investment enables us to support even more businesses and reinforce a message of opportunity and growth across the region.
This targeted support will allow local companies to directly access grant funding to attract graduate talent into their business, nurturing a vibrant and diverse business landscape and helping to create a future-ready workforce.”
Find Application Guidelines online here or get intouch with the Fund team to find out more: Tel: 01847 500104 and Email: enquiries@caithnessbusinessfund.co.uk
Caithness Business Fund
Naver Business Centre, Naver House, Naver Road, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 7QA
Registered in Scotland: SC450693
