Call for Applications: Graduate Placement Grants – United Kingdom

Focus Areas/Objectives/Priorities/Themes: The graduate placements should be 24 months in duration and in a graduate level role (minimum bachelor level). Graduates should have qualified within the last 5 years. Preference would be shown to businesses working within, or seeking to develop into, growth sectors within the area (i.e. energy, food and drink, space and tourism). Preference will also be shown to a graduate placement in skills shortage areas. The scheme will support up to 70% of salary costs for businesses for a two-year period (excluding Employer NI and pension contributions). Salary range supported will be between £25,000 – £32,000. There will be further support up to £1,250 per annum on CPD (e.g. 2 x 20 credit CPD module at UHI North, West and Hebrides), with a preference for local training providers.

The Caithness Business Fund offers targeted financial assistance to help small and medium-sized enterprises in Caithness and North Sutherland attract and retain qualified graduates. Through this scheme, businesses can secure up to 70% funding towards a graduate’s salary for two years, allowing them to strengthen their workforce while addressing skills shortages in key regional industries.

Eligible businesses must demonstrate financial viability and provide supporting documentation, including recent accounts, insurance certificates, and health and safety compliance. The placements must be graduate-level roles designed to enhance innovation, capability, and local economic impact. The program particularly encourages participation from sectors such as energy, space, food and drink, and tourism, reflecting the area’s long-term growth ambitions.

In addition to salary support, the grant provides a professional development allowance to foster continuous learning through accredited training, prioritising local providers such as UHI North, West, and Hebrides. Given the limited availability of funding, applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and early contact with the Fund is advised.

For more information, visit Caithness Business Fund.