Highland Council announces first virtual winter jobs fair focusing on Skye and Raasay

Highland Council’s Employability team has announced its first ever virtual jobs fayre which will take place on Wednesday 15 November 2023. 

The virtual event will enable those interested to log onto the session from the comfort of their own home. 

This event will focus on the Skye and Raasay area and hopes to attract attendees who have recently left seasonal work and are looking for new opportunities. 

Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “The Council’s first ever virtual jobs fair will provide a fantastic platform to show case the range of all- year-round work available in the area. 

“We hope that by being online people can attend without the need for travelling, something which people may appreciate as we enter the winter months.” 

“A variety of local employers will be involved, covering areas such sport and leisure, childcare, health and social care, hospitality, public sector (and associated organisations) as well as the Food and Drink sector.” 

He added: “We recently published our Highland Council Administration Programme and one of the key priorities is ‘A Fair and Caring Highland’ where we work together to improve the quality of life and opportunities for Highland people. 

“This virtual job fair is an excellent example of providing opportunities and making those opportunities as accessible for as many people as possible.” 

Employers will be available to explain what roles might look like and outline any available opportunities. 

Chair of Skye and Raasay Area Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “Hosting an event like this for Skye & Raasay at this time of year is really, important and having the event hosted online will hopefully make it easier for people to attend. 

There are key sectors in the locality that urgently need to see increased recruitment and if we can see positions filled in areas like childcare and health and social care, then posts in other sectors would naturally also see positions filled.” 

He added: “I would urge as many people as possible to attend the session in November as the more information that can be cascaded to those in attendance and, also those they might speak to afterwards, the better.” 

The Employability Team hopes that by using a virtual format the event will be accessible to everyone, no matter their location or circumstances. 

On the day of the event there will also be a live stream of vacancies which will be issued via Highland Council social media platforms X (Twitter) and Facebook. 

If you would like to attend the event, please email employ.ability@highland.gov.uk to register your interest and receive further information.