The Graduate Support Programme helps companies in the region by offering 12-month, well-paid work experience placements in a variety of industries.

It supports organisations to drive innovation and Covid recovery activity and provides graduates with valuable experience as they begin their careers.

Businesses and social enterprises across the patch, including Colonsay, Tiree, Islay, Arran, Mull, Bute, Kintyre, Dunoon and Oban (see examples below), have welcomed graduates into their businesses through the programme.

Morag Goodfellow, HIE’s area manager for Argyll and the Islands, said: “The graduate placement programme is about matching the development needs of individual businesses with the skills and aspirations of recent graduates keen to gain experience in the workplace.

“It’s a great way to attract new talent into the region while helping businesses to benefit from fresh thinking. Many graduates go on to full time employment with the placement host.

“We’re very pleased to see so many of our area’s businesses and social enterprises taking up the opportunity to recruit graduates through the programme, and look forward to hearing how they get on.”

In Dunoon, BC Technologies has taken on Kieran McGoldrick of Bridge of Weir, a graduate in computer animation arts from the University of West of Scotland, and Jason Rodgerson of Leicester, a computer science graduate of De Montfort University. Both are working on software design and development and providing IT solutions for colleagues and clients. Jason’s role also has a focus on cyber security.

In Oban, Tritonia Scientific Limited at the European Marine Science Park in Dunstaffnage recruited Karl Roberts of Edinburgh as postgraduate research assistant. Karl graduated in marine science from Heriot-Watt University and is focusing on Tritonia’s photogrammetry services.

Lochgilphead based Midton Limited has recruited Anika Raza, a production design graduate of the University of Dundee. Anika is working on skills development in cast acrylics to help the business to design and manufacture bespoke products. She is also involved in upgrading processes and technology to increase recycling and reduce waste.

In Campbeltown, Cameron Macgregor, a University of Aberdeen graduate in chemical engineering joined space technology company Alta Range. Cameron has an important and varied role in developing launch vehicle range control systems, primarily ground stations and their associated systems.

On Colonsay, Caitlin McNeill who is from the island, graduated from the University of Stirling with a Bachelor of Laws degree. She has taken up a placement with Colonsay Community Development Company working on recovery and resilience planning of the organisation and engagement with the community on a shared vision for the island.

Liverpool University and Belfast College of Technology graduates, Jenny Hourigan and William Loane, are working with Isle of Arran social enterprise, Woodside Arran.

Jenny is agricultural diversification coordinator, exploring new growth markets, researching advancements in sustainable packaging, expanding the internship programme and helping implement a covid recovery plan. William is Covid recovery coordinator, working on a recovery strategy in coordination with the community on how Woodside Arran can best serve them during the recovery period.

South West Mull and Iona Development (SWMID) have welcomed Leigh Eisler, who graduated in Molecular Biology from University of Dundee. Leigh carries out research and development tasks and will be using the information to plan processing and operational activities. She is also liaising with seaweed farm operators and collating information that can be used to evaluate performance and help SWIMD to improve.

Shannon Mackenzie from Thurso, graduate in business studies with marketing, is working with the Argyll and Islands Tourism Co-operative. Shannon’s role is in digital marketing, social media content and campaign support.