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Caithness.org News Bulletins 2003

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April 2003 Report
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INTRODUCTION
Overall, the number of unemployed in Caithness and Sutherland fell from 1,035 last month to 971. The revised unemployment rates in the Sutherland, Wick and Thurso ‘Travel to Work Areas’ respectively are as follows (corresponding figures for last month are shown in brackets) 7.2% (7.8%), 6.2% (6.7%) and 3.3% (3.4%).

SKILLSEEKERS
399 young people are currently on Skillseekers, 385 of whom are employed status trainees. The 14 vocational qualifications achieved, all of which were at Level III standard, included 8 entitled Installing and Commissioning Electrical Systems.

MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS
337 Modern Apprentices are currently in training, including 11 new starts. A total of 15 candidates achieved their Modern Apprenticeship certificates.

TRAINING FOR WORK
There are currently 48 participants on Training For Work. There were a total of 12 qualifications achieved, in addition to 3 Positive Outcomes with trainees going into employment following their period on the programme.

NEW DEAL
15 participants started on Gateway, while a further 5 people went into a variety of employment and training options.

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
The 3 approvals were for: Gordon McNab, Wick, to undertake an Offshore 'New Start' training; Steven Cameron, Thrumster, for ADR training; and, Kelly Innes, Helmsdale, for an Acrylic Nail & Tanning course.

TRAINING DEVELOPMENT
Assistance of £3,000 enabled 5 employees from HIEMATS to undertake Assessor training.

TOURISM TRAINING
Five people from 3 businesses took part in a Tourism Masterclass at Gleneagles.

FINANCE FOR BUSINESS
Intech-Power Ltd, Scrabster, were awarded assistance of £1,000 towards the purchase of computer aided design equipment, while Messrs Smith, Druce and Galway, were awarded assistance of £10,500 towards the establishment of a campsite at Clachtoll, Lochinver. The remaining approvals were for J MacNicol Forest & Estate Ltd, Golspie, towards the purchase of a timber forwarder, and Helen Houston, trading as the Options for Project, Golspie, towards the purchase of specialist IT equipment.

HIE STARTS
Karen Henderson, Dornoch, has started trading as Fotografix Scotland Ltd. The company will trade via the internet to provide an instant download service for a range of Scottish images. Also assisted were Sheila Lorimer, towards a new massage business, and Shona Blance, who will provide a consultancy service on human resource and legal issues.

BUSINESS SPECIALIST SKILLS
Jim Sangster, Halkirk, was awarded assistance of £162.50 to enable him to undertake an OFTEC course, while Gillian MacManus, Wick, was awarded assistance of £255 towards a Remedial & Sports Massage Diploma course.

E-BUSINESS SUPPORT SCHEME
William Dunnet & Co, Wick, were awarded assistance of £10,118 towards the cost of upgrading their IT system and purchase of equipment and specialist software. Fotografix Scotland Ltd, Dornoch; RMD, Dornoch; and Denis Mann, Wick, were all awarded assistance for website developments. Denis Mann was also awarded assistance with the cost of specialist equipment.

Sports & Arts Grants
North Lands Creative Glass Ltd, Lybster, are to receive up to £5,600 to assist with the costs of staging its "excavate:overlay" project. Also assisted were CASTAG, to assist with the staging of the 2003 Highland Wild Trout Challenge, and Lyth Arts Centre, to assist with the staging of two outdoor concerts.

Community INVESTMENT Grants
Rosehall & District Action Group, received approval of £6,000 towards the construction of a log cabin building which they plan to use as an educational centre. North Highland Juvenile Pipe Band and Wick RBLS Pipe Band are both to be assisted, with start-up equipment costs and the upgrading of the band's premises respectively. Sutherland Sailing & Boating Club are to receive £2,850, to assist with the purchase of a safety boat and associated equipment, while Dornoch & District Angling Club are to receive £850 to assist with the purchase of a rowing boat.

Also assisted were Dornoch Heritage Society, to assist with the production of a DVD on the Dornoch rail line, and Skerray Historical Association, to assist with a one-year funding package to employ a community archivist.

Tourism Infrastructure
Yarrows Heritage Trust, are to receive £7,500 to assist with a major archaeological dig this summer.

Community Planning
Highland Shellfish Management Organisation have received approval of up to £6,920 to assist with the cost of employing local Sector Development Officers in Caithness & Sutherland. Also assisted were: the Highland Council, to assist with a public art study in Pulteneytown; Lairg Community Association, to assist with professional fees associated with the upgrading of Lairg Community Centre; Strathnaver Public Hall (Youth Committee) to assist with professional fees associated with the creation of a skate park; and Skerray Historical Society, to assist with a Development Planning process.

Skills Aid
Pulteneytown Peoples' Project, are to be assisted with £2,000 towards the delivery of an innovative Team Leader's Training programme.

COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Yarrows Heritage Trust, are to receive £7,500 to assist with a major archaeological dig this summer, while Skerray Historical Society, is to receive up to £1,200 to assist with a development planning project and £4,990 towards a Community Archivist post. The remaining approvals were for Wick RBLS Pipe Band, to assist with the upgrading of their premises, and the Highland Shellfish Management Organisation, to assist with the employment of local Sector Development Officers in Caithness & Sutherland.

GAELIC DEVELOPMENT
Cearcall Gaidhlig a Tuath, are to receive £3,000 which will enable them to deliver a programme of Gaelic language classes in north-west Sutherland.

SPECIAL PROJECTS
Wick Harbour Trust has received approval of assistance of up to £30,000 towards the cost of undertaking an in-depth strategic review and business planning exercise.

APPROVALS FOR APRIL 2003
The following are funds approved during the month ending 30th April 2003. Please note that the sums relate to approvals, not payments. While finance may be approved, for a business investment for example, it does not guarantee that the developments will go ahead. The approval simply shows that CASE funds have been made available, but they will not be released until evidence is received that the project or activity has gone ahead.

SKILLSEEKERS
Vocational qualifications achieved

Name of Trainee

Training Company

VQ Achieved

Kevin Moncur, Thurso

Inverness College

Vehicle Body Repair Level III

Robert Sutherland, Wick

SECTT

Installing & Commissioning Electrical Systems Level III

Steven Wares, Wick

SECTT

Installing & Commissioning Electrical Systems Level III

Andrew Robertshaw, Thurso

SECTT

Installing & Commissioning Electrical Systems Level III

Brett Atkins, Lybster

SECTT

Installing & Commissioning Electrical Systems Level III

Garry Calder, Castletown

SECTT

Installing & Commissioning Electrical Systems Level III

Andrew Henderson, Wick

SECTT

Installing & Commissioning Electrical Systems Level III

Craig Sutherland, Reay

SECTT

Installing & Commissioning Electrical Systems Level III

Mark Munro, Huna

SECTT

Installing & Commissioning Electrical Systems Level III

Russel Beattie, Wick

North Highland College

Engineering Maintenance Level III

Andrew Harrold, Wick

North Highland College

Engineering Maintenance Level III

Gary Forbes, Reay

North Highland College

Engineering Maintenance Level III

Graeme Bremner, Wick

Moray Firth Training Group

Vehicle, Mechanical & Electronic Systems Maintenance & Repair, LV – Level III

Jamie Chalmers, Thurso

Moray Firth Training Group

Vehicle, Mechanical & Electronic Systems Maintenance & Repair, HV – Level III

MODERN APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME

Modern Apprenticeship certificates achieved

Name of Trainee

Company

Liam Sutherland, Latheronwheel

D Gow & Son

Stuart Gow, Lybster

D Gow & Son

Graeme Miller, Skitten

D Gow & Son

Chris Green, Canisbay

Subsea 7

Robert Sutherland, Wick

SECTT

Steven Wares, Wick

SECTT

Andrew Robertshaw, Thurso

SECTT

Brett Atkins, Lybster

SECTT

Garry Calder, Castletown

SECTT

Andrew Henderson, Wick

SECTT

Craig Sutherland, Reay

SECTT

Mark Munro, Huna

SECTT

Russel Beattie, Wick

North Highland College

Andrew Harrold, Wick

North Highland College

Gary Forbes, Reay

North Highland College

Modern Apprenticeship starts / transfers

Name of Trainee

Company

Georgina Gavin, Halkirk

North Highland College

Nicola Petrie, Thurso

North Highland College

Rosemary Cowan, Thurso

North Highland College

Wilma Gray, Dunnet

North Highland College

Emma Oxley, Thurso

North Highland College

Marjory Gunn, Thurso

North Highland College

Natalie Oag, Lyth

Rural Training Services

Robert Kay, Thurso

ITP Solutions Ltd

Sandra Shearer, Scrabster

ITP Solutions Ltd

Dawn Chessor, Halkirk

ITP Solutions Ltd

Gary Manson, Thurso

ITP Solutions Ltd

TRAINING FOR WORK

Vocational / other qualifications achieved

Name of Trainee

Training Company

VQ / Other Qualification Achieved

Amalie Candeland, Wick

Global Highland

European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)

Marjory Duncan, Thrumster

Global Highland

European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)

Stuart Fullen, Wick

Global Highland

European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)

Patrick Lloyd, Lybster

Global Highland

European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)

Robert MacNeil, Lairg

ITP Solutions Ltd

CITB - Rough Terrain Fork Lift

Heather Clubb, Dornoch

North Highland College

REHIS Food Hygiene

Brian Creedy, Kinbrace

North Highland College

REHIS Food Hygiene

Yvonne Creedy, Kinbrace

North Highland College

REHIS Food Hygiene

Carol Fisher, Lairg

North Highland College

REHIS Food Hygiene

Margaret McNeill, Dornoch

North Highland College

REHIS Food Hygiene

Diane O’Hennessy, Lairg

North Highland College

REHIS Food Hygiene

Nicola Currie, Dornoch

North Highland College

REHIS Food Hygiene

Bonus payments are also paid to the Training Provider for every trainee who goes from the scheme to employment (including self-employment) or further education. The following have been reported to us as having gone on to employment/further education this month.

Name of Trainee

Training Company

Margaret McNeill, Dornoch

North Highland College

Stuart Fullen, Wick

Global Highland

Ashley Hunter, Dornoch

North Highland College

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

Unemployed (75% of the cost of the course)

Name

Course Details

Max. Grant

Steven Cameron, Thrumster

ADR Training

£175.55

Gordon McNab, Wick

Offshore New Start Package

£750.00

Kelly Innes, Helmsdale

Acrylic Nail and Tanning course

£162.00

TOURISM

Title of Course Provider Venue
Tourism Masterclass Klaus Kobjol Gleneagles

TRAINER TRAINING

Course

Recipient

Max. Grant

Assessor Award Training HIEMATS

£3,000

FINANCE FOR BUSINESS

Company and Location Description

Financial assistance

Forecast of jobs created or retained

Intech-Power Ltd, Scrabster Purchase of CAD equipment

£1,000

1cr/4rt

J MacNicol Forest & Estate Ltd, Golspie Purchase of a timber forwarder

£1,600

1cr

Helen Houston, Options for Project, Golspie Purchase of specialist IT equipment

£600

-

Messrs Smith, Druce and Galway, Clachtoll Establishment of a campsite

£10,500

1cr

HIE STARTS

Name & Location Trading Name
Karen Henderson, Dornoch Fotografix Scotland Ltd
Sheila Lorimer, Brora Massage Works
Shona Blance, Helmsdale S Blance Associates Ltd

BUSINESS SPECIALIST SKILLS

Name & Location

Course Details

Max. Grant

Jim Sangster, Halkirk OFTEC course

£162.50

Gillian MacManus, Wick Remedial & Sports Massage Diploma course

£255.00

 

 

E-BUSINESS SUPPORT SCHEME

Name & Location Description

Max. Grant

William Dunnet & Co, Wick

Upgrade of IT system and purchase of equipment

£10,118

Denis Mann, Wick

Website development and purchase of equipment

£1,132

Fotografix Scotland Ltd, Dornoch

Website development

£2,100

RMD, Dornoch

Website development

£570

SPORTS & ARTS

Name of Applicant

Project Details

Max. Grant

North Lands Creative Glass Ltd, Lybster

"excavate: overlay" project

£5,600

CASTAG

2003 Highland Wild Trout Challenge

£1,732

Lyth Arts Centre

Outdoor music concerts

£3,000

TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE

Name of Applicant

Project Details

Max. Grant

Yarrows Heritage Trust

Archaeological dig

£7,500

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT GRANTS

Name of Applicant

Project details

Max. Grant

Dornoch Heritage Society

Historical DVD

£992

Rosehall & District Action Group

Log cabin education centre

£6,000

North Highland Juvenile Pipe Band

Start-up costs

£5,815

Sutherland Sailing & Boating Club

Purchase of safety boat

£2,850

Skerray Historical Society

Community Archivist post

£4,990

Wick RBLS Pipe Band

Upgrade band premises

£4,187

Dornoch & District Angling Club

Purchase of a rowing boat

£850

COMMUNITY PLANNING

Name of Applicant

Project Details

Max. Grant

Highland Council

Pulteneytown Public Art study

£4,155

Lairg Community Association

Professional fees re. Community Centre upgrading

£3,621

Strathnaver Public Hall Committee

Professional fees re. skateboard park project

£850

Skerray Historical Society

Development planning project

£1,200

Highland Shellfish Management Organisation

Sector Development Officer posts

£6,920

SKILLS AID

Name of Applicant

Project Details

Max. Grant

Pulteneytown Peoples' Project

Team Leaders' training programme

£2,000

GAELIC

Name of Applicant

Project Details

Max. Grant

Cearcall Gaidhlig a Tuath

Gaelic language classes

£3,000

COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Name of Applicant

Project Details

Max. Grant

Yarrows Heritage Trust

Archaeological dig, summer 2003

£7,500

Skerray Historical Society

Community Archivist post

£4,990

Skerray Historical Society

Development planning project

£1,200

Wick RBLS Pipe Band

Upgrade band premises

£4,187

Highland Shellfish Management Organisation

Sector Development Officer posts

£6,920

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Name

Project

Max. Grant

Wick Harbour Trust Strategic review and business planning

£30,000