Employee's degree success delights Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust and opens up opportunity for another young person to follow similar path

Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust (KoSDT) is offering a golden opportunity to a local youngster who would like to achieve a university qualification while living and working in the area.

The trust says it is keen to take on a local young person and support them to study towards a degree.

The move follows the academic success of one of the trust’s workers, Beth Simco of Bonar Bridge, who has just gained a first class honours degree in business management from Strathclyde University Business School.

Ms Simco (22), has for the last four years combined studying for a graduate apprenticeship degree with working in various roles for KoSDT.

Graduate apprenticeships provide work-based learning opportunities up to master’s degree level.

Trust manager David Watson said: “The results that Beth has achieved are a great example to show that young people from remote rural areas can achieve great things without having to move away to study.

“And the added benefit is the top-quality work that the trust, and the community, have received from Beth while she gained invaluable, real life, workplace experience in community and economic development at the same time.

“KoSDT are happy to say that Beth will be staying with the trust and the next part of her journey will see her leading on support for those facing financial hardship across Sutherland.

“She will also be developing projects that use the outstanding natural environment of the Kyle of Sutherland area to boost mental health and wellbeing, as well as taking on some more management responsibilities.

“The next few years are going to be very exciting for the trust and the communities it supports."

Mr Watson added: "This process has been a great experience for both Beth and KoSDT and because of this the trust would definitely consider taking on another local youngster to help them achieve a degree qualification while living and working in the area.

"If anyone is interested in following this path, email: development@kyleofsutherland.co.uk."

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