Moray partners unite behind roadmap to strengthen local workforce
A new roadmap aimed at helping more people develop skills, access local job opportunities and build careers in Moray has been endorsed by Moray Council's Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee.
The Moray Workforce North Road Map sets out a shared plan for organisations across education, employability, business and economic development to work together to tackle skills shortages, support employers and attract and retain talent in Moray.
Developed by the Moray Workforce Group following engagement with employers and partners, the roadmap focuses on five key priorities:
- Promoting local education, training and career opportunities
- Strengthening pathways from education into employment
- Expanding apprenticeships and vocational learning
- Supporting people to upskill and reskill throughout their careers
- Attracting and retaining working-age people in Moray.
The roadmap builds on existing initiatives and partnership working already taking place across Moray, with a focus on better coordination and collaboration rather than creating new programmes.
The roadmap coincides with the launch of a pilot fund designed to support employer-led activity that helps businesses recruit, retain and develop the people they need. Eligible employers in the priority sectors, including Net Zero, Construction and Built Environment, Digital and Data Skills, and STEM-related subjects and progression opportunities, can apply now until 30 October 2026.
Councillor Marc Macrae, Chair of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “Moray has a strong economy and a talented workforce, but we also face challenges around skills shortages, recruitment and an ageing population. By working together, we can make sure Moray is well placed to benefit from future investment, create more opportunities for local people and attract new talent to the area.”
Claire Sim, Regional Skills Planning Lead at Skills Development Scotland, said: “The Moray Road Map is an important milestone for the shared Workforce North mission. It highlights how public, private and third sector partners are working together to ensure the region has the skilled workforce needed to realise the opportunities of a once-in-a-generation period of investment.”
Sarah Medcraf, Chief Executive Officer, Moray Chamber of Commerce commented: “Businesses across Moray consistently tell us that access to the right skills and people is fundamental to their ability to grow. This Roadmap is an important step in bringing employers, education and partners closer together, ensuring that provision is shaped by real business need and that people can see clear pathways into good local jobs.”
Mike Duncan, Engagement Manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Working closely with employers is at the heart of building a strong local workforce. The new roadmap demonstrates how collaboration between businesses, education and local government can help ensure skills, training and career pathways reflect the realities of the local economy and give people the best possible opportunities to build rewarding careers in Moray.”
Dr Euan Black, Deputy Principal, UHI Moray said: “UHI Moray is fully committed to supporting the Moray Workforce North Road Map and working alongside our partners to strengthen the connection between education and local employment. By expanding vocational learning, developing apprenticeships, and creating clear pathways into the workforce, we can equip our learners with the skills local employers need most. This collaborative approach will play a vital role in retaining talent and building sustainable careers right here in Moray.”
Jolene Young, Interim Head of DYW Moray added: “Moray Workforce North, through its shared roadmap, provides a real opportunity to help young people see and understand the careers emerging across the area, while supporting employers to connect with and develop their future workforce. At DYW, we strengthen the links between education and employers, helping young people engage with industry, understand the skills they need and see the different pathways into future careers here in Moray.”
David Reid, Area Manager – Moray for Highlands and Islands Enterprise commented: “Moray has significant opportunities for growth across a range of sectors but realising that potential depends on having the right skills and talent in place. The Moray Workforce North Road Map represents an important step in bringing partners together around a shared vision to support employers, strengthen pathways into work and help people develop the skills they need throughout their careers. By working collaboratively, we can help ensure Moray remains an attractive place to live, work and build a career.”
Jackie Maclaren, Chief Officer tsiMORAY, said: "This roadmap highlights the importance of partnership in creating a workforce that is inclusive, skilled and ready for the future. Our third sector brings deep community knowledge and experience in supporting people through change. Across our organisations, we help people develop not only the technical skills needed for work, but also the capabilities that employers increasingly value and require, including adaptability, creativity, and leadership."
The roadmap will be delivered through existing partnership arrangements, with progress monitored by the Moray Workforce Group and reported through the annual Moray Pathways Local Employability Partnership report.
The Workforce North initiative is being led across the Highlands and Islands by Skills Development Scotland, with local delivery in Moray coordinated through the Moray Workforce Group, a subgroup of the Moray Pathways Local Employability Partnership.