Opportunities to Work in Scotland What’s happening in Scotland? Iain Duff, Chief Economist, SCDI

SCDI Independent economic development organisation Independent economic development organisation Broad membership including universities Broad membership including universities Prepares policy papers, briefings, submissions, holds events/conferences and provides information Prepares policy papers, briefings, submissions, holds events/conferences and provides information

Initial Points 1 High level of education, skills and training crucial to improved performance High level of education, skills and training crucial to improved performance Need a high quality workforce Need a high quality workforce Top priority for SCDI members Top priority for SCDI members

Initial Points 2 Ability to adapt to fast changing circumstances Ability to adapt to fast changing circumstances Flexibility of occupation Flexibility of occupation Analytical and creative skills required Analytical and creative skills required

Summary Structure of the Scottish Economy Proportion of GDP Proportion of GDP Services74% Manufacturing14% Construction 7% Primary 1.6%

Key Areas of Main Sectors Proportion of GVA Services: Hotels & Catering15.3% Business Services19.3% Finance Services 8.3% Public Admin, Educ. & Health23% Manufacturing: Engineering 4.2% of which Electronics 2.1% Food & Drink 3.2%

Economic Data Scotland GDP Growth Q % Construction -0.4% Services +0.1% Financial services -1% Manufacturing +0.7% Engineering +1.9%

Economic Forecasts Economic Forecasts Source: Fraser of Allander Institute Economic Commentary Vol 32 No.2 Scottish GDP Growth % % % % %

Other Data CPI Inflation4.5% Interest rates3% Employment (‘000s) 2,551 Unemployment (‘000s)126 Claimant Count 3.1%

Job Forecasts Job Forecasts Source: Fraser of Allander Institute Economic Commentary Vol 32 No , , , , ,605

What Employers Want 1 Still need to recruit Still need to recruit Employees that can problem solve, ability to learn Employees that can problem solve, ability to learn Maturity Maturity Readiness for work Readiness for work

What Employers Want 2 Complementary skills to degree discipline – “Soft Skills” Complementary skills to degree discipline – “Soft Skills” Communication Communication Team Work Team Work Literacy and Numeracy Literacy and Numeracy Commercial Acumen/Entrepreneurial Attitude Commercial Acumen/Entrepreneurial Attitude Appreciation of risk management Appreciation of risk management Sales and marketing Sales and marketing

Conclusion Good luck!