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19-21 Broad Street | St Helier Jersey | JE2 3RR
Senator Steve Pallett
Chair, Migration and Population Review Panel
By email only 13 January 2022
Dear Chair,
Review of P.116/2021 Common Population Policy
Thank you for your letter of 7th January with a range of questions on the above policy which I am happy to answer below.
- The results of the Government's survey and focus groups which formed the population consultation suggest that Islanders recognise a need to focus on education, skills, lifelong learning and retaining skilled individuals. The actions outlined in the policy refer in the most part to ongoing projects and schemes. What additional new actions are detailed in this policy?
The Panel is correct that, for the most part, actions highlighted in the policy are part of CYPES' ongoing programme activity. The policy signposts actions that the next Council of Ministers could consider, such as the introduction of a Minister (or Assistant Minister) with overall responsibility for skills in Jersey. Future governments could also explore whether changes to current tax and social security arrangements would support Islanders to upskill, which evidence shows would render them likely to participate in the workforce or voluntary activities for longer.
It is anticipated that new actions will flow from the Skills and Productivity white paper due for publication shortly. It is not possible to say at this stage what those actions will be, although I anticipate they will build on existing strategies in areas such as post-16 education and higher education choices, as well as skills and vocational training offerings. These will be complemented by the ongoing Inclusion and Higher Education funding reviews and will also take account of the valuable work carried out by the Jersey Employer Group and the Economic Council.
- One of the suggestions appears to be a revived apprenticeship scheme. Please detail how this will differ from the Trackers Scheme which was launched in the wake of rising unemployment figures in 2011 and 2012 with the same aim in mind, to recruit and train local people in vocations and trades?
Following public and industry consultation in 2021 the new funding model will ensure that all employers receive a government provided subsidy towards apprenticeship training fees. The current Trackers Scheme operates on a first come first served basis where some get 100% of training fees subsidised and others get no subsidy at all.
Mentoring will no longer be compulsory with the Government subsidy funding, but will be by application/referral, therefore open to all. 16–19-year-old apprentices will have immediate access to mentoring.
Yearly incentives to support priority apprenticeships will be brought in from 2023. This year (2022) will be used to establish a process for identifying needs and process of identification with the Jersey Employer Group (JEG) acting as the lead partner in this.
- A review of student finance is underway, what options are being explored for a funding model which would encourage graduates to return to the Island? (referenced on page 50 of the Common Population Policy)
The Higher Education Funding review will be presented to the Council of Minister on 25th January. Following this I will announce the outcomes of the review.
- The Common Population Policy references (page 50) the forthcoming Skills and Productivity White Paper [with which] the Government will develop a clear vison and strategy for the further and higher education provision on the Island'. When will this be delivered? What was the original anticipated date of delivery?
The Skills and Productivity White Paper is in its final drafts and is anticipated to be presented to the Council of Ministers in March. Work is expected to commence immediately following this.
- How do you believe the proposed policy will impact areas under your Ministerial remit?
As already identified, the proposed policy focuses heavily on education and skills development at all ages, which all Ministers agree (and available evidence indicates) is essential to reduce our reliance on inward migration over the longer term. I would therefore expect future iterations of the Common Population Policy to reinforce the importance of the education and skills portfolio and ensure that this is front and centre' when the next Council of Ministers begins formulating its Common Strategic Policy.
Yours sincerely,
Deputy Scott Wickenden
Minister for Children and Education
D +44 (0)1534 440152 E S.Wickenden@gov.je
c.c. Deputy Rowland Huelin