The Inverness Castle Experience offers a hands-on work experience programme for Highland Students

The Inverness Castle Experience opened its doors to the next generation of Highland talent this February, welcoming secondary school pupils from across the region for an immersive, three-day work experience programme.

Eight students from Inverness Royal Academy, Millburn Academy, Dingwall Academy, Fortrose Academy, Charleston Academy, Nairn Academy and Kilchuimen Academy took part in the initiative. The programme has been designed to give S4 to S6 pupils a comprehensive introduction to working within a busy Highland visitor attraction.

The Scottish Government has invested £19.6 million in the castle’s transformation (£15 million via the City Region Deal and £4.6 million in tourism funding). The UK Government has contributed £7.5 million to the project through the Deal and Levelling Up funding.

Over the course of three days, students rotated through key departments, including Visitor Services, Retail, and Food and Beverage. The hands-on experience will allow them to develop practical skills such as customer service, serving food, barista training, stock control, guiding visitors, and learning about the experience's rooms and interpretation spaces.

As part of the programme, participants also received an overview of High Life Highland (HLH) and gained insight into the wider organisation behind The Inverness Castle Experience. Members of staff, including the CEO of High Life Highland, and representatives from the security and management teams visited the students to share their career journeys and offer advice on pathways into the heritage, tourism and hospitality sectors.

Following completion of the work experience, students will be supported to apply for roles within the Experience, should they wish to pursue employment at the attraction.

John West, Director of Culture and Learning, said, "This initiative reflects The Inverness Castle Experience’s commitment to nurturing local talent, supporting young people into employment, and ensuring the flagship visitor attraction continues to be shaped by the community it serves."

For more information about the education programme at The Inverness Castle Experience, visit https://invernesscastle.scot/learn 

The Inverness Castle Experience has benefited from investment to support its redevelopment from the Scottish and UK Governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and a range of other funders.