THE number of Scottish college students going onto “positive destinations” has increased, according to new figures.
The percentage of college leavers going on to further study or work after the 2017/2018 academic year rose by 0.8% compared to the previous year.
Of the 19,314 people who left college during the year, 9519 continued into work – a rise of 2.2% on the 2016/17 period. Meanwhile, a further 7682 went on to university, a drop from 41.2% to 39.8%.
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The number of leavers going on to “negative destinations” – meaning people who were unemployed or unavailable for work at the time of the study – fell by 0.8%.
A total of 1305 college leavers reported being unemployed, representing 6.8% of all leavers and a drop from 1476 from the previous year.
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.”
Karen Watt, chief executive of the SFC, praised colleges making courses relevant to employers.
She went on: “Today’s figures show the vital role colleges play in shaping the future prospects of individual students but also in supporting the needs of the wider economy.”
Colleges Scotland chief executive Shona Struthers also celebrated the work of colleges for helping students to more positive destinations.
She said: “I’m pleased to see that the vast majority of students are moving into positive destinations and that there has been an increase since the previous year.
“This shows that colleges are doing an excellent job and providing valuable routes into further study and careers.”
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