More Fresh Talent funding for retention of international students

More Fresh Talent funding for retention of international students

18 August 2008

Further investment of £232,761 has been announced to support international students wishing to remain and work in Scotland following completion of their studies.

Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture Linda Fabiani announced the new funding which will support 16 projects in nine universities and colleges across Scotland helping to retain valuable skills for our labour market and contributing towards growing Scotland’s economy.

Ms Fabiani said:

"Attracting talented, bright and hard-working graduates from around the world is a key part of our commitment to a Wealthier and Fairer Scotland. But we must also retain those talented  intenational students studying here at Scottish institutions.

"I am announcing this funding to ensure Scotland continues to benefit from what these bright individuals have to offer after their studies are complete. These projects are key to giving international graduates the support they require to settle in Scotland after graduation.

"Since 2005 over 8,200 international graduates have chosen to stay in Scotland under the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme. The funding I have announced today will ensure we continue to lead the way in supporting our international graduates who want to accept our invitation to remain in Scotland post-study. They can make an important contribution toward achieving, and maintaining, faster, more sustainable economic growth in Scotland."

The £232,761 funding being announced will allow 16 projects to run in the 2008/09 academic year (September 2008 - September 2009), giving students the support required to remain in Scotland and integrate into Scottish life.

The successful projects are:

1. Robert Gordon University
   Mentoring, recruitment skills, pharmaceutical placements.
   
   
2. North Glasgow College
   Progression opportunities with partner Careers Scotland to deliver workshops on future study and career opportunities.
   
   
3. Stevenson College
   Developing skills for work along with Telford College -  customer service, teamwork , planning  and building contacts with employers.
   
   
4. Napier University
   International alliance project – skills acquisition, workplace experience and mentoring.
   
   
5. Heriot Watt University
   Case studies and online industry sector profiles detailing key industry facts and figures.
   
   
6. Heriot Watt University
   International student volunteering project with  partner Careers Service. Benefits of volunteering in skills development.
   
   
7. Glasgow Caledonian University
   Enhancement of employability assets including language skills for interviews, employer/student event and awareness raising of skills required by previous students.
   
   
8. University of Glasgow
   Interview academy -  intensive support focusing on language skills for interviews. Partner: Careers Service.
   
   
9. University of Glasgow
   Student placements. Partners: Universities of Aberdeen, Stirling and Dundee.
   
   
10. University of Dundee
    Internships for International Students (ISIS) project. Work experience. Partner: Dundee College.
    
    
11. University of Dundee
    Enterprise potential/harness resources for entrepreneurial ideas. Partner: Heriot Watt University.
    
    
12. University of Dundee
    Construction & Civil Engineering projects  - targeted program of construction industry related contacts to support job success.
    
    
13. University of Stirling
    International Student internships – work placements.  
    

Read more about the Fresh Talent scheme 

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