Rise in college graduates heading straight into work

There was a 2.2 per cent rise in college leavers in Scotland entering employment in 2018, up to 49.3 per cent, Scottish Funding Council data shows. Other findings include:

The data also shows that 95.4 per cent of college qualifiers now go on to a ‘positive destination’ such as further study at college or university, training or employment, up from 95% the previous year.

39.8 per cent of people leaving college in the period progressed to university

The findings also reveal more people from the 10% most deprived area were more likely to start work (around 48%) after leaving college, than those from the 10% least deprived areas (around 41%).

Further Education Minister Richard Lochhead said: “I welcome the fact that more of our college students are going into jobs, training or further study than ever before. I am particularly heartened at the high proportion of college leavers, especially those from the most deprived areas, going straight into employment.

“The results are clear evidence of the crucial contribution colleges make to inclusive economic growth by successfully equipping people with the skills and training they need for the workplace, no matter their background or circumstances.”