Migrants' qualifications 'must be recognised to boost economy'

Published on Monday 23 March 2009 21:05

RECOGNISING qualifications of migrants is crucial to Scotland's economy, a leading figure in education has claimed.

Dr Andrew Cubie, chairman of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, speaking at the organisation's conference yesterday in Glasgow, said we must tap into the valuable knowledge offered by migrants.

Sir Andrew, a former chairman of CBI Scotland, said: "It is crucial for Scotland's economy to recognise valid qualifications held by immigrants.

"We have a major demographic issue with a falling population and we have to be able to take advantage of the skills of those who come here."

Norman Sharp, director of the Quality Assurance Agency Scotland, responsible for maintaining standards in higher education, agreed.

He said: "We have migrants arriving in Scotland, many of whom have a rich training background but are impinged in using those skills and knowledge in a Scottish economy and society where their qualifications are not recognised.

"In providing a framework which recognises those qualifications those individuals could contribute to society and we as a society could benefit."

He revealed several colleges and universities are working with migrant groups, such as the Polish community.

He said: "The aim is to put those people in touch with colleges or universities to have their previous training recognised and see if they can finish their qualifications or match them to a Scottish equivalent."

Employers also backed the call. Iain McMillan, director of CBI Scotland, said: "A person coming into the country may have these skills, but unless they are properly certificated and employers have confidence in that certification, it is difficult for them to know what they are buying into when employing them.

"It is something employers value – being able to evaluate the level of qualification."