The North East Scotland Investment Zone (NESIZ) has launched a £5 million Skills Fund to address critical skills challenges and build a stronger regional workforce. Backed by Scottish Government funding, the programme will finance initiatives that boost skills development, attract talent and enhance workforce capability across the area's key growth industries.

Local organisations have already begun submitting expressions of interest, with further proposals encouraged by Friday, 18 September ahead of full bids by 30 October. Additional funding rounds will be announced in the coming months.

An initial £1.6 million tranche is prioritising projects that deliver clear, measurable benefits for the Green Energy and Digital Technology sectors, ensuring the region develops the talent required to power future economic growth.

NESIZ is seeking applications from organisations able to address workforce and skills challenges through innovative, high-impact activity that will:

- Address skills shortages constraining Investment Zone growth

- Increase availability of skills aligned to Green Energy and Digital Tech sectors

- Support inclusive growth and reduce barriers to participation

- Respond flexibly to employer demand and technological change

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- Complement existing provision

Projects must demonstrate an evidence-based need, respond to employer demand, show measurable outcomes and deliver activity that adds to what already exists.

The team is particularly keen to hear ideas that can make a lasting difference across the north east of Scotland, whether through new pilots, expanded training opportunities or larger strategic interventions.

The fund is open to a wide range of applicants, including businesses, education and training providers, charities, social enterprises, public sector bodies and partnerships. Support is available through three routes:

- Pilot projects: up to £24,999

- Medium projects: £25,000 to £249,999

- Large or strategic projects: £250,000 to £750,000

Cllr Anne Stirling, Chair of the North East Scotland Investment Zone Joint Committee, said: "We very much welcome this funding which will help support skills-related activity across the region. It is absolutely vital that project proposals demonstrate a clear evidence-based need, deliver measurable outcomes and provide value for money.

"Crucially, they must also demonstrate that their activity would not otherwise happen or would not happen at the same scale, scope or pace without support from the fund. While match funding is not mandatory, proposals demonstrating additional leveraged investment, employer contributions or in-kind support will score more highly under value for money considerations."

Tom Arthur, Minister for Business and Fair Work, said: "The North East Scotland Investment Zone presents a significant opportunity to build on the region's strengths in green industries and digital technologies, creating high-quality jobs and supporting economic growth.

"I welcome the launch of this Skills Fund which will support innovative projects that help people develop the skills employers need while creating new opportunities in some of Scotland's most exciting growth sectors. I encourage organisations from across the region to come forward with ambitious proposals that can help address skills challenges, support local employers and ensure North East Scotland has the talent and expertise needed to thrive in the years ahead."

Organisations considering a bid are urged to move quickly, submitting an Expression of Interest by Friday, 18 September before lodging full applications by 30 October. Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss their ideas with the NESIZ team in advance.