Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has welcomed an increase in the proportion of university graduates employed in both Perth and Kinross and Stirling.
According to new labour market statistics 33% of all employees aged 25-64 in Perth and Kinross are graduates, up from 27% in 2008. Stirling has also experienced a boom in graduates with 42% of the 25-64 workforce being graduates- up from 33% in 2008.
Graduates are faring better in the labour market with the proportion of workers across Scotland aged 25-64 who are graduates reaching 33.2% in 2014 - the highest since start of comparable records in 2004.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Up-skilling the workforce in areas other than the central belt will be crucial in spreading employment opportunities throughout Scotland. Stirling in particular has proved to be a great success story in retaining students who have recently studied in the area.
“I believe that universities should work closely with Local Authorities in order to increase the profile of smaller cities like Perth and Stirling.
“Many graduates feel that their best opportunity for getting a job lies in moving to either the Central Belt or London. However, these statistics prove that graduate opportunities can be found in other parts of the country.
“A more integrated and connected Scottish economy with digital and physical infrastructure to match will be crucial in ensuring that both Perth and Stirling can increase their appeal to both graduate job seekers and job creators.”