My Internship with Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport

Six months ago, Joseph moved from Essex to Dingwall to become Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport’s first Innovation Intern – an opportunity supported by funding from Zero Waste Scotland through its Circular Economy Internship Scheme.

Now, after closing the book on that experience, he’s starting this next career chapter by joining the ranks of international infrastructure specialist Balfour Beatty as a graduate. 

During his time in the Highlands Joseph flourished through opportunities to collaborate on real industry projects and deliver meaningful work supporting the shift to green energy.

As a core part of the team, Joseph was tasked with leading a feasibility study exploring whether the Highlands could support a composites recycling facility.

His research involved estimating the volume of composite waste produced across the Highlands and assessing whether there was enough demand to support a local recycling facility.

“My study looked at how we could reduce composite waste going into landfill by making composite waste management more circular,” Joseph explained.

“I've set the ball rolling and provided a baseline that others can build on. There is interest from investors in opening a facility, so knowing my work could help inform future decisions is something I'm really proud of.

“Towards the end of my placement, I presented the findings to industry peers. I really wanted to do the work justice. The feedback was incredibly positive, and it was rewarding to know people valued the work I'd put in.

“Unlike university reports, this work had the potential to make a real difference," he said. "I left knowing I'd made a meaningful contribution."

The presentation led to conversations with employers across the sector, who were impressed with how Joseph was developing in his Green Freeport role. By the end of his placement, Joseph had received multiple graduate job offers before accepting the post with Balfour Beatty.

Paving the way for others

Alongside his research, Joseph also contributed to work supporting the University of the Highlands and Islands' successful funding bid for a new Offshore Wind Skills Hub. 

Supported by Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and a range of regional partners, the initiative will create new training pathways and career opportunities across the Highlands and Islands.

"Knowing the project has secured funding is fantastic," Joseph said. "I'm happy just to have contributed to something that will help create opportunities for the next generation."

Seeing the bigger picture

During his placement, Joseph also visited several major developments within the Green Freeport helping reshape the region's economy, including Ardersier Energy Transition Facility and Sumitomo Electric's cable manufacturing facility at Nigg.

“It's just mind-blowing. No photo could ever do it justice,” Joseph said.

“People often look at the Highlands and think there's not much going on, that it's just mountains and rain. But there's so much to be excited about.

“You see these projects popping up more and more and you wonder what's next. Opportunities are growing here and I just don't think it gets talked about enough.”

The experience also gave Joseph the confidence to build relationships with people across the industry.

“I used to find CEOs and directors intimidating,” he said. “But once you actually spoke to people, you realise they're just people.

“I spent hours speaking to people who were genuinely interested in the work I was doing. It made starting my career much less daunting because I felt like my voice actually mattered.

“Working with Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport inspired me to pursue my new role in environmental sustainability. Seeing the scale of the investment and ambition across the Highlands made me realise I wanted to play my part in that transition.”

Looking ahead

For Alli Vass, Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport’s Powerhouse Manager, Joseph's journey reflects the opportunities emerging across the Highlands as investment continues to grow.

She said: “One of the Green Freeport's ambitions is to ensure local people benefit from the investment coming into the region. That means creating opportunities for young people to gain experience, develop skills and build careers here in the Highlands. Joseph's placement is a fantastic example of that.

"The Highlands is changing rapidly. Investment across sectors including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, engineering and innovation is creating opportunities that simply didn't exist a few years ago.

"We want more young people to see those opportunities, challenge themselves and recognise that they can build exciting careers here."

Time for reflection

Looking back, Joseph encouraged other young people to make the most of every opportunity.

“We all have a part to play. Whenever an opportunity pops up, whether that's volunteering, going on a site visit or taking a free course because it interests you, just do it.

“The more you learn, the more doors it unlocks. You never know where it will lead you,” he said.

Joseph arrived in the Highlands looking for experience. He left with a career, new confidence and a very different understanding of what the region has to offer. His journey is just one example of how investment in the Green Freeport is creating opportunities not only for businesses, but for the people who will help shape the Highlands' future.