Section Navigation:
Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme
The initiative was created to address the future population needs for Scotland which will have an impact on our country’s economic future and to recognise the benefits of a more skilled and diverse workforce.
The aims of the initiative are:
- To encourage and enable people to relocate to Scotland, allowing international students to remain in Scotland for two years after graduation, and other measures;
- To boost the international element of Scottish life and the economy;
- To promote Scotland as an ideal place to live, study, work and do business.
Scotland welcomes bright, talented, hardworking people who can make a positive contribution to the Scottish economy. Diversity also brings benefits – new ideas, new blood, new ways of thinking. Scotland has a history of welcoming those from other cultures; the Fresh Talent initiative demonstrates Scotland continues to be a welcoming nation.
The initiative is aimed at:
- Students
- Entrepreneurs looking to start up businesses in Scotland
- Scottish Businesses who want to recruit overseas workers
- In migrants and returning Scots who want to live and work in Scotland.
Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme
Since June 2005, there have been 7,953 international graduates from Scottish universities and colleges who have taken the opportunity to apply to stay in Scotland at the end of their studies, through the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme. (figs. as at February 2008)
The scheme allows graduates from Scottish universities and colleges to apply to stay and work here without requiring a work permit.
This means that those who have enjoyed studying in Scotland can stay to work here, putting the knowledge and skills they have learned into practice. International work experience adds to future employability accross the world over.
In Scotland, international graduates add a significant amount of talent to the job market whilst giving Scottish businesses access to language skills and a culturally diverse workforce.
Workers
The Fresh Talent initiative also aims to attract workers to come to Scotland from around the world. Many Scottish businesses have benefited from overseas workers – you can read some examples of these businesses in our case studies section.
Work is underway to promote Scotland in a number of key markets, including in the European accession states. An information guide for migrant workers was published in Polish in June 2006. The guide is available in hard copy and at www.szkocja.eu.
Fresh Talent Means Business
For Scottish businesses, the Fresh Talent initiative is not just about attracting individuals to Scotland but ensuring that businesses have the required skilled workers to enable them to grow and compete in the global marketplace.
The Relocation Advisory Service (RAS) offers a service to simplify the process for people to relocate to work and live in Scotland.
Employers can refer any potential employees to RAS to help with questions they might have about living in Scotland, allowing their HR staff to handle the employment details.
If you are a business you can download the Employers Toolkit, this gives you an up to date understanding of employment of overseas workers.
Or, you can contact the RAS Business desk at: business@scotlandistheplace.com or on tel: 0141 242 5946.
Home Office Release - December 2007
New Points System for Immigration
A new points system will be introduced from 2008.
This will be rolled out over a one year period. More detailed information is available on the document Highly Skilled Migrants under the Points based System (PDF, 190Kb).
More Information
Register for updates
Enter your details to receive email updates for Scotland is the Place. More about registration