The Technology Placement Programme offers funding to businesses in the Highland Council area to cover up to 70% of the cost of employing a student or graduate.

It presents an opportunity for businesses that want to develop new products – or improve existing products or processes – by engaging with a student or graduate in a relevant discipline.

Graduate placements are available until February 2025, and student placements are available until October 2025.

Paid work placements are a dynamic and affordable way to stimulate growth, kick-start change and discover new talent. This programme has the potential to deliver long-term benefits to students, graduates and businesses.

The Technology Placement Programme is delivered as part of The Northern Innovation Hub (NIH). The Northern Innovation Hub is an Inverness and Highland City Region Deal project – a joint initiative supported by £315 million in investment from the UK and Scottish governments, the Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the University of the Highlands and Islands.

The programme is for businesses of any size in the Highland Council area, and students or graduates at HNC level or above.

The business will need to cover at least 30% of the student or graduate's salary and 100% of the employer National Insurance contributions, as well as on-costs such as pension contributions.

Note that you'll need to pay the entire salary upfront at first, then submit a claim with proof of the cost to receive your grant.

For 2023/24, the salary range that Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will support is £22,500 (minimum) to £29,500 (maximum).

For 2024/25, the salary range that HIE will support is £23,250 (minimum) to £30,250 (maximum).

Students must be paid at least the Real Living Wage.

Businesses in the Highland Council area, and students or graduates at HNC level or above.

The duration of the programme depends on the placement. Graduate placements are up to 12 months, and student placements are up to 12 weeks.

Graduate placements are available until February 2025.

Student placements are available until October 2025.

All placements must be completed by March 2026. You must claim your grant by the same date.

Graduate placements are available until February 2025.

Student placements are available until October 2025.

Submit an enquiry and an adviser will be in touch to discuss your needs.