This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Survey shows Scotland retains graduates
11/12/2003
Evidence showing that graduates who study in
Scotland are choosing to stay in Scotland was today
welcomed by Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Minister
Jim Wallace.
Latest First Destination of Graduates survey
results published today for 2001/02 show that 88 per
cent of Scottish graduates and diplomates going in to
employment remained in Scotland, up by two per cent
compared with the previous year.
Wallace said :
"I'm encouraged by these figures. As part of our
Fresh Talent Initiative to secure a vibrant and
prosperous future for Scotland, we are committed to
promoting the country as a good place to live and work.
This will bring benefits for Scotland's economy and
society. Retaining graduates - from Scotland and
elsewhere - from our institutions is a key element in
meeting this objective.
"A well-educated population, with the knowledge
and skills for the jobs of tomorrow is vital and a key
focus for the Executive.
"Today's figures also show ongoing increases in
the proportion of graduates and diplomates from HE in
Scotland who choose to begin work in Scotland after
graduation."
The percentage of graduates from the rest of the
UK and overseas who went into employment in Scotland
rose to 32 per cent and 23 per cent
respectively.
The figures also show:
* Of those who responded to the survey, over 60
per cent had obtained employment either in the UK or
overseas.
* Over a quarter of all graduates and diplomates
continued in study / training. Over half of all
students who obtained a sub-degree level qualification
continued in study / training.
* The percentage of HE graduates and diplomates
from Scottish institutions going into employment who
remained in Scotland six months after graduation
increased for the fourth consecutive year to 77 per
cent in 2001/02.