TalEntEd Islands Programme brings partners together in Shetland to shape the future of skills and innovation

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) welcomed partners and stakeholders to Lerwick Town Hall on Wednesday 25 March 2026 for a TalEntEd Islands Programme engagement event focused on the future of skills, innovation and economic opportunity in Shetland.

The afternoon session followed an internal project meeting of university partners earlier in the day and brought together representatives from industry, education, community organisations and the public sector to explore how TalEntEd can support talent development and inclusive growth across island communities.

TalEntEd is a six-year collaborative programme funded through the Islands Growth Deal with up to £4.4 million from the Scottish Government and £1.5 million from the UK Government. The programme is jointly led by UHI, Heriot-Watt University and Robert Gordon University.

Held at Lerwick Town Hall, the stakeholder event opened with a welcome from the TalEntEd project team and an overview of the Shetland economy, setting the context for discussion around future workforce needs and innovation priorities.

Partners then introduced the three core work packages that sit at the heart of the programme:

• Innovative Islands Work-Based Learning, led by UHI, which is developing flexible, demand-led pathways across renewable energy, sustainable development and allied health professions to enable learners to gain qualifications without leaving their islands.
• Islands Entrepreneurial Network, led by Robert Gordon University, which aims to stimulate entrepreneurship, support SMEs and empower under-represented groups to launch and grow new ventures.
• Islands Innovation and Commercialisation, led by Heriot-Watt University, which focuses on translating research into market-ready products and services through proof-of-concept funding and industry collaboration.

Colleagues from the University of Strathclyde Centre for Energy Policy provided a focused session on future energy scenarios, including the role of Sullom Voe Terminal, offshore wind and green hydrogen, and how these developments intersect with wider economic and policy considerations.

Researchers from the University of Bath and Cardiff University also outlined forthcoming public attitudes research in Shetland, designed to ensure that community perspectives inform the direction of future activity.

The event provided opportunities for questions, discussion and networking, with participants sharing insights on workforce challenges, emerging sector opportunities and the importance of retaining and attracting talent.

As programme lead, UHI oversees delivery of TalEntEd and reports to the Islands Deal Programme Board and Joint Committee. The Partnership Programme Board includes representatives from the three university partners, island councils and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Claire Thomson, TalEntEd Programme Manager at UHI, said:

“It was hugely valuable to bring together employers, educators, community organisations and innovation partners in Shetland. TalEntEd is about creating practical, locally relevant opportunities – from work-based learning and entrepreneurship support to innovation and commercialisation – that respond directly to the needs of island communities.

“The discussions in Lerwick will help shape our next phase of delivery and ensure that Shetland’s voice is central to the programme.”

TalEntEd aims to accelerate the transition to net zero, address demographic challenges and support sustainable economic growth across the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland. By aligning research, education and industry collaboration, the programme seeks to create green jobs, strengthen local supply chains and ensure that island businesses and communities can thrive in a changing economic landscape.

For more information about the TalEntEd Islands Programme, visit www.uhi.ac.uk/talented