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WQ.360/2023
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND EDUCATION BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER CENTRAL
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 25th SEPTEMBER 2023 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 2nd OCTOBER 2023
Question
“Will the Minister provide further details in relation to the Skills Development Fund outlined on page 96 of the Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027; and will she also advise whether consideration has been given to a “green” skills fund to assist with environmental change and development?”
Answer
It is proposed that the Jersey Skills Development investment be used to:
· provide training to target specific current and future skills gaps (priority given to those with Entitled/Entitled for work status) as identified by the labour supply/demand model, vacancy data and feedback from employers
· provide numeracy and literacy upskilling for Islanders in the workforce. Addressing these skills gaps will be increasingly essential.
· attract more people with Entitled/Entitled for work status into careers in Jersey (e.g. school students, graduate returners, retirees)
· incentivise apprenticeship pathways if evidence supports a future skill gap
· develop pilot/new projects to close potential future skills gaps, including seed funding tertiary education pathways accessible to Jersey’s workforce. This includes upskilling the workforce to meet the needs of the green agenda
The administration of the skills development investment will include a systemised approach of Government, Employers and training providers working together as a group to identify skills priorities. To support the identification of future skills gaps, the Jersey Supply and Demand model will be utilised to provide a data driven approach, working towards achieving the ambitions of Jersey’s future economy. Economic insights, labour market intelligence, national and global developments and expert industry insights will all contribute to the data provided to the group. The green transition is now a major driver of economic growth and job creation. Green skills investments have already been piloted successfully through Skills Jersey engagement with industry leads:
· Jersey Construction Council (JeCC) - Heat Pump and Water Regulations Training 2023
· Jersey Motor Trade Federation (JMTF) - electric and hybrid vehicle training 2020 (this investment included upskilling tutors at Highlands College to aid continuous delivery on Island.)
The Jersey Supply and Demand model provides estimates of the mismatch between workers and jobs. Through across Government, CYPES and the department for the Economy will continue to analyse data and identify skills demands for the future workforce. This includes areas where environmental change and development are primary factors and green skills can be part of the solution.