APM Scottish Conference is the bearer of good news

A Scottish perspective on the Association for Project Management’s market trends report shows good news for the economy and skills in the country. 

The association’s Salary and Market Trends Survey, run in support of the recent APM Scottish Conference, suggests that more and better paid jobs are coming to Scotland in the profession.

The conference, held at Murrayfield Stadium, showcased the value of leadership through a broad range of projects and programmes in Scotland from the Forth Replacement Crossing to managing the Giant Panda Programme at Edinburgh Zoo.

Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure Keith Brown, who spoke at the opening of the conference said: “Government projects are diverse and we use them to turn the programme for government into reality. 

“This can include large infrastructure projects, ICT projects and major transformation programmes. When delivering projects we must ensure that we make good use of every penny of taxpayers' money, investing wisely in our people and our infrastructure so that we can continue to deliver benefits for the people of Scotland.

“Like all projects, their success is often best determined at their earliest, most formative stage. 

“Project delivery doesn’t only take commitment and professionalism. It takes leadership. Leadership is the key factor in delivering successful projects – great leadership helps deliver great projects.  

“The Scottish government is committed to building the skills of our project leaders and delivery teams. Important parts of this work are the Major Projects Leadership Academy, the Project Leadership Programme, and our own project delivery capability framework, which received corporate accreditation this year from APM. 

“I’m proud to say that we were the first devolved government to receive this kind of accreditation.”  

The health of the Scottish economy was reflected in the survey with nearly 60% of respondents expecting their employer to grow over the next twelve months. Two-thirds of those are expecting to recruit more professionals in the next year.

The survey also revealed that contracts in Scotland tend to be longer and pay rates higher with 60% of respondents receiving over £400 per day compared to the national average of 35%.

The research also shows high levels of education amongst professionals in Scotland. Over 40% hold a Master’s degree, higher than the rest of the country. 

Sara Drake, APM chief executive, said: “Our survey shows that the project management profession in Scotland is relatively well-paid, well-qualified and motivated. 

“With more jobs to come, that has to be good news for the Scottish economy.”

The Scottish Salary Survey 2015 built upon the existing APM Salary and Market trends report 2015  launched in May 2015.