Scots leaving the country in search of jobs abroad

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With the Office of National Statistics announcement today that Scotland has seen a rise in unemployment of 13,000 compared to a drop of 20,000 across the UK, it is even more crucial that alternative job opportunities become available. And with more cuts imminent, many will be looking abroad for as a route out of unemployment.

Out of work, out of the country

With the Office of National Statistics announcement today that Scotland has seen a rise in unemployment of 13,000 compared to a drop of 20,000 across the UK, it is even more crucial that alternative job opportunities become available. And with more cuts imminent, many will be looking abroad for as a route out of unemployment.

With 25,000 Scots already leaving the country every year, it is predicted that this number will rise as the number of jobs opportunities in Scotland falls. With the English language in huge demand around the globe, one of the most popular and accessible routes to employment abroad is teaching English. Many Scots who have not been in a classroom since they were at school are finding that their ability to speak English can find them paid work overseas.

Teaching English abroad has become increasingly popular since the economic downturn and has seen a substantial growth in the number of Scots getting trained in how to teach English. Highland-based Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) training organisation, TEFL Scotland, has reported a 40% increase in the number of people taking TEFL training courses. Jennifer MacKenzie, TEFL Scotland founder, believes this rise will directly contribute to the number of people seeking employment in foreign countries.

Out of work architect Michael Gilchrist found work abroad after being made redundant in 2009. Not having taught before, he re-trained on a TEFL course and was out in Japan teaching English within a couple of months and is still there. He plans to return when the economy is looking brighter and he is more likely to find work in his industry. And for the couple of years he is Japan, he will have added new skills and experience to this CV putting him in making him a stronger position when he returns to Scotland.

Working abroad also means a whole new life overseas. The prestigious NatWest International Personal Banking Quality of Life survey discovered that 58 per cent of people who retired in a foreign country have had a ‘better-than-expected’ experience while 91 per cent of those retirees who worked abroad before retiring said they could not imagine moving back to the UK.

In Scotland, TEFL Scotland training courses are government-funded through the ILA scheme offering a realistic and affordable route to employment for unemployed Scots.

Editors notes
About TEFL Scotland:
TEFL Scotland Ltd is the foremost TEFL course provider in Scotland and also the most accredited in the UK. Jennifer MacKenzie and TEFL Scotland are recent winners of the ASB (Association of Scottish Businesswomen)’s Most Enterprising Business of the Year 2010 award and TEFL Scotland has trained over 2,500 students in the last twelve months. All graduates are offered a recruitment service for paid teaching positions in several countries in Asia and Europe and are trained by a team with over 25 years teaching and training experience.
TEFL Scotland is SQA Aproved Centre, ILA apprioved and ODLQC accredited.

Contact:
Jennifer MacKenzie
TEFL Scotland
Ross-Shire Business Centre
1 Castle Street
Dingwall, Ross-Shire
IV15 9HU
0871 221 8335
info@teflscotland.co.uk
http://www.teflscotland.co.uk

Case studies
Michael Gilchrist is currently teaching English in Japan and is available for interview.
Other case studies available on request
ILA funding
Independent Learning Accounts provide £200 towards courses from approved training providers and is available to those resident in Scotland over 16 and earning under £22,000 per year.
www.ilascotland.org.uk
Emigration
Statistics on emigration can be found http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/migratio...