By Kristy Dorsey
Details have been revealed on the split of a £14.3 million pot of cash designed to deliver economic recovery and jobs across Aberdeenshire.
The Scottish Government launched the North East Economic Recovery and Skills Fund (NEERSF) in August, which is meant to boost the employment prospects of more than 3,000 people.
It has now been confirmed that Opportunity North East (ONE) will get £6m to spend on sector accelerators, an innovation investment fund, entrepreneurial skills and hospitality apprenticeships.
A further £3m has been earmarked to help create an energy transition zone (ETZ) in Aberdeen, supplementing previously-announced funding of £56m from the Scottish and UK governments.
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Aberdeen City Council will deliver more than £2m of NEERSF-funded activity through three projects focused on inclusion, education and employment. The projects will support pupils to remain in education, and provide paid graduate internships and work experience for those furthest removed from the labour market.
Robert Gordon University will get £1.7m of funding to support those disadvantaged or otherwise affected by the impact of energy transition and the impact of the Covid pandemic. Projects include short upskilling courses in leadership, data and digital, energy transition and entrepreneurship.
Jennifer Craw, chief executive of ONE, said the NEERSF funding gives the region additional resources to drive recovery.
“ONE’s private sector leadership and projects will make a difference to people, start-ups and established businesses over the next six months,” she said.
“We will support businesses to grow, innovate and create new jobs in the low-carbon economy across digital tech, food and drink manufacturing, hospitality, life sciences and tourism.”
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