A company which designs and installs micro hydro schemes throughout Scotland has become the first business to take advantage of the Highland Council’s Graduate Placement programme.

Proterra Energy applied through the scheme to acquire a graduate who would be able to identify new hydro scheme sites, thereby spreading workload and increasing business efficiency.

The company has taken on Kieran Roberts, a 27-year-old from Borve, Isle of Skye and a graduate of the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) with a degree in Countryside Management.

A local Business Gateway adviser and two recruitment advisers provide businesses with advice and assistance throughout the application process. This includes identifying a business project and advising as to the best way to advertise and recruit.

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The Highland Council has committed to funding 50% of the graduate’s salary, up to a maximum of £16,300 per annum.

Terry Stebbings, Founder, Proterra Energy said: "We knew that by taking on a graduate to proactively identify suitable sites that we could potentially secure more work and in turn grow the business faster than we would have without him. Being a young company the first year can be the most challenging, getting support through this scheme has allowed us take on a new member of staff earlier than anticipated."

He added: "As Kieran comes from and lives in the Highlands not only does he bring complementary skills learnt at SAC but an understanding of the area and its people."

Mark MacKintosh, Regional Development Officer, Business Gateway said: "The aim of the scheme is to help local businesses gain an employee who will target new markets, develop new projects, increase exports or enhance another aspect of the business that they feel is important to its development while at the same time providing the graduate with an opportunity to showcase their skills, gain exceptional experience and further develop their knowledge."

(IT)