The number of Highland pupils taking up science, technology, engineering and maths could be boosted by a new £400,000 from an energy giant.
The SSE Highland Sustainable Development Fund has given the money to a scheme aiming to encourage youngsters to take up so-called STEM subjects.
The University of the Highlands and Islands Development Trust will now extend its Crest programme to primary and secondary schools across the region for the first time.
Activities will be co-ordinated from the proposed science academy at the new Inverness Campus.
The Crest programme is seen as a significant step towards filling the skills gap identified in the oil, gas, renewables, engineering and life sciences sectors.
Although significant job growth is predicted in these areas, there is a shortage of people in the Highlands with the skills or educational background to take advantage.
The university will work with the Highland Council to tailor the programmes to the needs of schools in the area, addressing geographical and small school challenges.
The science academy will act as both a virtual and physical resource centre for the Highland Crest programme.
The initial target is to raise the number of schools with active science and engineering clubs to 190 – representing 90% of schools – in three years.
Sustainable Development Fund Panel Chair, Lord Jack McConnell, said: “Young people growing up in the Highlands must have every chance to grasp the opportunities created on their doorstep. That’s why it’s vital to support and develop an interest in STEM subjects from an early age and create clear paths to rewarding careers in the engineering, energy and life sciences sectors.”
Dr Crichton Lang, deputy principal of the University of Highlands and Islands said that projects would aim “to engage and excite young people in STEM subjects at an early age.
He added: “This substantial grant award will provide a significant addition to the activities the university already carries out with schools in Highland. Over the next five years we have the opportunity to use our expertise to establish a sustainable support network across all Highland schools.”
Leader of Highland Council, Councillor Drew Hendry said: “This is a terrific award that truly puts some momentum behind our joint commitment to maximise the ability for our young people to develop the skills that they will need to take advantage of jobs in the future across our region. It’s the start of an innovative period in the history of the Highlands. This will be a comprehensive approach to making sure that our young people are able to increase their opportunities to stay and work in our communities in highly paid jobs.”
