This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Progress of Fresh Talent scheme
25/11/2005
Staff, students, and employers with personal experience of Fresh Talent today told how the scheme is working in Scotland.
The First Minister Jack McConnell and Home Office Minister Tony McNulty visited Edinburgh University to meet staff, students, and employers with personal experience of Fresh Talent.
The scheme, which was launched last April is designed to attract people to live and work in Scotland. It includes a relocation advisory service as well as the Working in Scotland scheme. This offers overseas students a chance to stay in Scotland for up to two years after they graduate, allowing them time to apply for a work permit.
Since it was set up in June this year nearly 600 students - over 10 per cent of those eligible have successfully applied to the scheme.
Edinburgh University's Principal Professor Timothy O'Shea, who also attended the meeting, said:
"The University of Edinburgh is delighted with the support it has received from the First Minister's Fresh Talent initiative, which has had a direct beneficial impact on the University's ability to attract high-quality students and staff from around the world.
"Those individuals attracted to Scotland as a result have made a positive and significant contribution to the University, to the economy and to Scottish society as a whole."