We are piloting free access for adults to two Level 3 qualifications - each normally costing over £2,000 - open to anyone in Guernsey and Alderney who currently doesn't hold a Level 3 qualification but who wants to build a career working with children and young people.
The Level 3 qualification, which is broadly equivalent to an A Level, advanced apprenticeship or BTEC diploma standard, is often the minimum requirement for a person applying for roles such as early years educators, teaching assistants and learning support assistants. Until now, the cost of gaining one might have been a barrier for many adults looking to move into these careers.
The two courses are the first to be trialled under a new 'Free Level 3' pathway, offering free access to Level 3 qualifications for adults who don't currently hold one.
The approach draws on similar models used successfully around the world, and forms part of The Guernsey Institute's wider Adult Skills Strategy. The approach will be shaped specifically around Guernsey's workforce, economy and community needs, ensuring the qualifications on offer lead to local job opportunities.
The programme will progressively expand free access to Level 3 qualifications over time, with the eligibility criteria, course options and other details subject to change in line with staff and learner feedback, to ensure it meets the needs of the local community.
The two qualifications now available as part of the Free Level 3 trial programme are:
- NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)
- NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning
Chris Roughsedge, Project Lead for the programme, said:
"We are really pleased to be trialling two 'Free Level 3' pathways, both of which will start from September. Early years education and classroom support were two areas we heard from our community feedback that there was interest in seeing offered through the 'Free Level 3' pathway. Today is very much just the beginning, as we pilot how the support will work, tweak our approach, and plan for more courses will be added over time. Every step will be shaped by the evolving needs of the island's workforce and economy."
Louise Misselke, TGI College Principal, said:
"The pilot launch of these two free Level 3 qualifications represents a significant investment in the island's workforce. For some people, cost has been the one thing standing between them and a career they'd genuinely love to pursue. Removing that barrier means we can open these opportunities up to a much wider range of people across the community."
Full information and how to register interest can be found here.
