How Skills Development Scotland can help
We can help as you explore your employment or training options.
There's lots of advice here on My World of Work. Or you can speak to a careers adviser if you need more support – use our search to find your local centre.
Our careers advisers can also help you find out how qualifications from outwith the UK compare to qualifications here in Scotland. Alternatively, you can go direct to NARIC – the UK's National Recognition Information Centre – but this will incur a cost.
Need help with English?
If English isn’t your first language, you can take a course in English for Speakers of Other Languages to improve your language skills and build your confidence. Visit the ESOL website for more information and to find courses.
Visas, immigration and taxes
- Gov.uk has information and advice on immigration and visas for work or study
- The HM Revenue and Customs website has advice on tax and National Insurance for migrant workers
Help for Refugees
Universities Scotland has published Refugees Welcome. This is for current and future students and their universities.
Refugee integration loan
You can apply for a refugee integration loan to pay for a rent deposit or rent, household items or education and training for work. You should get in touch with your local Jobcentre Plus before applying as you may be entitled to other help too.
Help for international students
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (CISA) has helpful advice and information for international students who are studying, or want to study, in the UK.
The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) also has guides on Finding your way to work and runs job search and career planning sessions online.
More useful sites
- Asylum Help UK offers help and advice for asylum seekers
- The Bridges Programmes offer support for refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and anyone for whom English is a second language, living in Glasgow. They can help with things like work placements and employability support
- The British Red Cross offers support for Refugees
- Citizen’s Advice Scotland has information for people who come to the UK from overseas
- The International English Language Testing System website has information if you need to take a test, test centres, and practice questions
- Talent Scotland has information on job vacancies and working in Scotland
- The TUC’s WorkSmart website has advice and information for migrant workers from the EU about their legal rights
Related content
Employment options
It makes sense to think about how you’d like to work when you're deciding on a career. From self-employment to home working, flexible hours and shifts, we explore the options.
Additional support needs in learning
If you have additional support needs, you might be able to get extra help while you’re studying. We’ve pulled together this quick guide to some of the resources available.
Additional support needs in work
If you have additional support needs and want to go into work, finding the right information about what support is available is important. We’ve pulled together some online resources that will help.
Coaching and mentoring
How some extra support can help you as you're building your career.