College has life science placements - graduate jobs

Science graduates looking to get into Scotland's multibillion-pound life sciences industry can now take part in a special college programme.

Science Graduates For Work is designed to help unemployed scientists learn laboratory skills and industrial awareness.

Forth Valley College runs the programme, which includes a placement at one of three life sciences companies. Other Scottish colleges may now set up courses of their own.

On a visit to BioReliance UK in Stirling Innovation Park, skills minister Keith Brown said: "It is important, now more than ever, that we all listen and respond to the needs of industry and this programme is a prime example of that happening in a key sector that could play a major part in Scotland's economic future."

Scotland is one of the top five locations in the world for life sciences, with the industry worth £3 billion a year to the Scottish economy, and employs about 32,500 people.