INTRODUCTION
Overall, the number of unemployed in Caithness and Sutherland rose from 790 last month to 859. 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) 7.0% (5.7%), 5.0% (4.7%) and 2.8% (3.0%).

SKILLSEEKERS
338 young people are currently on Skillseekers, 320 of whom are employed status trainees. There was a total of 8 Level III vocational qualifications achieved, all in engineering disciplines.

MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS
272 Modern Apprentices are currently in training, including 35 new starts. Iain Arrowsmith, Stuart Blumfield and Stuart Morrison have all now achieved their MA certificates.

TRAINING FOR WORK
There are currently 32 participants on Training For Work. There were a total of 5 European Computer Driving Licence qualifications achieved, while Brian Farmer achieved a Positive Outcome by going into employment following his participation on the programme.

NEW DEAL
15 participants started on Gateway, while a further 27 people went into a variety of employment and training options.

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
Donald Landles, Brora received approval of £750 towards the cost of undertaking welding codings.

TOURISM TRAINING
A total of 14 people from JK Taxis, Wick; Russell's Garage, Brora; and CFD Executive Car Hire, Thurso all attended a 'Welcome Host' course aimed at reinforcing their awareness of the importance of the service they provide in relation to the overall tourism product. They also undertook 'Drive & Survive' training, which is aimed at improving both the safety of their passengers and the wear and tear on their vehicles.

FINANCE FOR BUSINESS
Speedy Skip Hire Ltd, Thurso, were awarded £28,150 towards the diversification of the business into the collection and processing of scrap cars, which would be crushed into bales and transported south, via rail, for recycling.

Caithness Creels Ltd, Wick, and RMD Furniture, Golspie, have both been awarded assistance towards the cost of buying specialist equipment, while The Novelty House, John O’Groats, and Forss House Hotel, by Thurso are both to be assisted with upgrading their facilities.

Also assisted was Game Time Ltd., a new computer gaming business in Thurso, who are to receive up to £5,000 towards the costs of upgrading their business premises and the purchase of equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL RENEWAL GRANTS
New Park Highland Ltd. was awarded £633,000 towards the costs of a package of landscaping and infrastructure developments for the Forss Business & Technology Park.

HIE STARTS
Susan Henderson, Wick has started the Pheonix Flying School, which will offer Microlight flying lessons, while Andrew Bain, Spittal has started Thurso Surf, whereby he will offer training in the art of surfing. In addition, Michael Mathews, Thurso has started Game Time Ltd., which will offer a computer gaming service.

HIE INNOVATION SUPPORT SCHEME
Caithness Suckler Cow Group was awarded £500 towards the cost of undertaking a fact finding visit to the Borders to look at various innovative ideas. Also assisted were Ian Sinclair, Wick, towards an exhibit at Scotland International Trade Fair, and The All Star Factory, Thurso, towards the cost of hiring a leisure consultant.

SPECIAL PROJECTS
The Clearances Centre Ltd, Helmsdale, was awarded assistance of £200,000 towards the development of their Clearances Memorial.   More on the Helmsdale Clearances Project

E-BUSINESS SUPPORT SCHEME
Spirit Lodge, Berriedale, and Caithness Creels, Wick, have both been awarded assistance with the cost of undertaking website & e-commerce developments.

Sports & Arts Grants
Feisean nan Gaidheal are to receive £1,264 to help run a music workshop in Brora for young people from the area.

Community INVESTMENT Grants
The approvals were for: Thurso Town Improvements, to help with the costs of floodlighting work around Thurso’s main bridge; Golspie Recycling Project (GREAN) to help with the costs of employing a further member of staff; and Lybster Community Association, to help with the costs of festive lighting.

Community Planning
Croileagan a Chaolais are to be assisted with the cost of a feasibility study relating to establishing a Gaelic-oriented family centre in Bonar Bridge, while Lairg Community Association, are to be assisted towards the cost of upgrading work to Lairg Community Centre.

COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Ormlie Community Association, Thurso received approval of £375 to assist with the costs of a Board training event.

INVESTORS IN PEOPLE
Congratulations to: Caithness Citizens Advice Bureau; Nip Inn, Lairg; Homeaid, Caithness; and the North Highland College, who have all been successfully re-assessed against the national standard.

APPROVALS FOR DECEMBER 2002
The following are funds approved during the month ending 31st December 2002. 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.

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.