We are inviting islanders to take part in a new survey designed to help shape the future of adult learning and skills development in Guernsey.
The short survey, which takes around five minutes to complete, forms part of our wider Adult Skills Strategy and aims to better understand what helps or prevents adults from taking up further learning, retraining or career progression opportunities.
The survey is aimed at adults aged 19 and over who do not currently hold a Level 3 qualification (for example, an A Level, an advanced apprenticeship, or a Level 3 BTEC diploma), or who are unsure whether they do. It is also open to those who may not have GCSEs or O Levels (or equivalent), as well as anyone considering further study in the future.
The work draws inspiration from similar models implemented in jurisdictions around the world which have expanded access to free Level 3 qualifications for adults.
The survey aims to ensure any local approach reflects the unique needs of Guernsey’s workforce, economy and community.
Alongside the public survey, a programme of engagement will take place with local businesses and employers to better understand current and emerging skills gaps in the island.
The findings from both strands of work will help shape future adult learning priorities and ensure qualifications align with local employment opportunities and economic needs.
Chris Roughsedge, Project Lead for the programme, said:
“To make adult learning genuinely accessible, we first need to understand the barriers people face. They could be confidence, cost, time, caring responsibilities, transport, uncertainty about where to start… or a combination.
While there is a great deal we can learn from how this initiative has been implemented in other jurisdictions, the local labour market and community are distinct. This survey is about building an approach that works for Guernsey.
Responses will help inform the development of free Level 3 qualifications for adults in Guernsey, ensuring future provision reflects the real needs and experiences of islanders.”
Louise Misselke, TGI College Principal, said:
“A fundamental part of TGI’s Adult Skills Strategy involves opening doors for adult learners, and to do so we need to hear directly about what they need from us and shape our offer accordingly.
Our newly formed Adult Skills Board comprises a really strong group, including members from the G8 industry representatives’ group, which will ensure our activity is shaped by local recruitment needs.
We hope that a fully funded Level 3 learning will be more than an education programme: it’ll be a catalyst for confidence, progression and economic resilience. By helping people upskill, retrain and/or move into new careers, we hope to create inclusive pathways into employment. This will strengthen the local talent pipeline and ensure adults are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing workforce.”
The survey is now open and available to complete here. Everyone who completes the survey can choose to enter a prize draw to win a £100 voucher. The closing date for the survey is Monday 29 June.
