Future talent: Entrepreneurial Scotland places record 208 students in internships worldwide

Entrepreneurial Scotland has announced its largest-ever Saltire Scholars Programme cohort, with 208 students participating in internships this summer.

The students are working on a number of “commercially significant” projects across sectors including technology, engineering, finance, life sciences, marketing, operations and business transformation.

Of the 208 placements, 60 are fully funded international internships in Australia, Canada and the US, while a further 148 are based across Scotland and the wider UK.

Entrepreneurial Scotland has announced its largest-ever Saltire Scholars Programme cohort.

Entrepreneurial Scotland said the programme had also reached a record level of employer participation, with 112 organisations taking part. The number of first-time hosts has leapt by 50 per cent, reflecting growing demand from businesses looking to access and develop future talent, the charity added.

Among the organisations hosting Saltire Scholars interns this year are Network Rail, Craneware Group, Insights, GSK and Sydney Airport, “highlighting the breadth of organisations taking part across different sizes and sectors”, Entrepreneurial Scotland noted.

Sean McGrath, the organisation’s chief executive, said: “Scotland’s future prosperity depends on the opportunities we create for the next generation.

“A record 208 internships and 112 host organisations send a powerful message that businesses are prepared to invest in Scotland’s future talent. At a time when many young people are finding it harder to gain that crucial first step into the world of work, these opportunities provide the experience, confidence and connections that can shape their careers.”

Founded and nurtured by the GlobalScot network in 2007, the Saltire Foundation and the Saltire Scholars Programme were created to find and grow the next generation of leaders in Scotland.