Shetland’s workforce
Shetland has a motivated, educated and highly skilled workforce and islanders are known for their strong work ethic and “can-do” attitude.
School leavers overwhelmingly go into positive destinations such as employment, training and higher and further education. The University of the Highlands and Islands and other providers deliver a range of courses from degrees to modern apprenticeships, helping employers to continually develop and upskill their workforce.
Transport connections
Shetland is well connected to the Scottish mainland via its ferry and air links. Aberdeen, Scotland’s oil capital is only an hour’s flight away.
As a net exporter of seafood, Shetland has sophisticated and experienced logistics and transport services on the islands, which have extensive links to key logistics hubs in the north and central belt of Scotland. Passenger and freight ferries depart seven nights a week and there are regular freight services. For full details go to the Northlink Ferries website.
Shetland has extensive air links, with airline operator, Loganair providing up to 15 scheduled flights a day to Aberdeen, Bergen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Kirkwall and Manchester from Sumburgh airport.
The airline also has code-sharing agreements with British Airways, Qatar and Emirates airlines giving people and businesses access to a wider range of markets.
Business support
Inward investors and businesses can gain access to a range of business advice and support from Shetland Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland. The development agencies work closely together to help investors achieve their plans.