Careers Scotland: The facts

Careers Scotland is one of the four organisations that comprise Skills Development Scotland (SDS). For residents and immigrants, as well as those who are thinking of moving to Scotland, Careers Scotland (CS) offers various resources to help secure employment opportunities in this wonderful European country.

Scotland: The basics

Scotland is a constitutional state of the United Kingdom (UK). It boasts of natural beauty with around 800 islands. Its large cities - Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh (Scotland's capital) - have made the country one of Europe's finest commercial centres. People in Scotland: immigrants and famous scots According to the National Records of Scotland (NRS), there are over 5.2 million people living in the country. Its population growth stands at 0.54% as of April 2011. This figure is attributed to the influx of immigrants, including asylum seekers and foreign students who, as The Telegraph reports (28.04.2011), are "taking advantage of Scotland’s system of free university education." Scotland.com describes the Scots as "famously friendly, inventive, industrious and always ready to celebrate their national identity." The Scots have also played significant roles in various fields, including entertainment, business, science, and philosophy. Among Scotland's historical and contemporary personalities are first television maker John Logie Baird, steam engine enhancer James Watt, telephone innovator Alexander Graham Bell, economist Adam Smith, philosopher David Hume, and penicillin discover Alexander Fleming. The Scots from Roslin Institute are also credited for the cloning of Dolly the Sheep.

Employment through Careers Scotland

The achievements of past and present Scots show how the country has benefited from the contributions and talents of its human resources. This context has inspired the establishment of Skills Development Scotland (SDS), the offshoot of collective efforts by "Careers Scotland, the skills and learning functions of Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish University for Industry." Objectives and Resources of CS Like other countries, people living in Scotland need to earn for a living. SDS has been tasked to assist residents in their search for jobs. This need has shaped CS which offers "high quality career guidance and employment services..." CS supports Scotland's labour market through its partnerships with business organisations, schools, and other groups that provide self-development opportunities. These include career planning, learning programs, and training activities. It also provides "interest guides, information databases and internet access" to those looking for jobs. Moreover, CS adopts policies on confidentiality, child protection, and equal opportunity. Psychological testing is also conducted when necessary. It empowers clients with career management skills and is involved in other initiatives. Examples of these engagements are The Risk Project, Shell Technology Enterprise Program (STEP), and Virtual Work Experience. A final word Further details can be found on CS website at Careers-scotland.com