The Guernsey Institute launched GradRoutes Guernsey, a new initiative working to understand barriers young people face in returning to the island following higher education, as well as develop pathways that will better enable graduates to return after they complete their studies.
Many students leave Guernsey to pursue higher education overseas, and a significant number do not return immediately after graduating, which could leave local businesses and organisations with critical skills gaps. This issue - often termed 'brain drain' - is an area which The Guernsey Institute is looking to address through establishing GradRoutes Guernsey.
Part of The Guernsey Institute's Adult Skills Strategy, it is aiming to understand the barriers - in a careers and skills sense - preventing graduates from returning, and to then develop practical pathways to make returning both attractive and feasible. By strengthening Guernsey's talent pipeline, the initiative will help boost workforce skills and support employers in recruiting new employees.
From internships and graduate schemes to professional training and early-career roles, the initiative will also aim to highlight the breadth of opportunities available for young islanders in Guernsey and help them see the potential of building a career at home.
In the first step for the initiative, GradRoutes Guernsey is conducting a short survey of Guernsey students currently studying off-island and recent graduates who may or may not have returned. The survey will explore if and when they plan to return, and what factors influence their decision-making.
While it recognises that the current cost of living and housing challenges are two likely barriers, The Guernsey Institute is particularly interested in exploring barriers that exist through a career opportunity, skills, or education lens.
Gathering accurate insights from young islanders will enable The Guernsey Institute to build a better picture of the most pressing issues that influence young people's decision making and then help them shape a roadmap for addressing these barriers effectively.
Local employers, parents and the wider community are encouraged to share the survey link to help reach as many young islanders as possible. Eligible entrants will be entered into a prize drawer to win a £100 Amazon Voucher. The findings will directly inform future support, opportunities and outreach, ensuring that Guernsey can attract and retain its graduate talent for years to come.
Jacki Hughes, Principal of TGI, said:
"Guernsey's future depends on our ability to attract and support the skilled young people who will drive our island's success for generations to come. Through GradRoutes Guernsey, we're trying to get into the detail of why some young people are not returning to the island, so that we can work at speed to remove barriers and find solutions. We want to help graduates see that they can build meaningful, rewarding futures at home. By tackling skills gaps and supporting lifelong learning, this initiative is about investing in our people - ensuring Guernsey remains a vibrant, resilient community for all."
Michelle Morley, Project Lead for GradRoutes Guernsey, said:
"We're excited to launch GradRoutes Guernsey and to start conversations with students and graduates - both on and off the island - about the opportunities available here. Guernsey has much to offer ambitious young people, and we're eager to work closely with local employers and professional associations to showcase just how rewarding a career here can be. We encourage as many applicable graduates as possible to complete the survey, which will enable us to build up an accurate picture of what barriers are currently preventing people returning to the island, because while we know that housing and cost of living are issues, we are also interested in exploring barriers that may exist in the career opportunities, skills and education spaces."
Complete the GradRoutes Guernsey survey here: GradRoutes Guernsey survey