The official version of this document can be found via the PDF button.
The below content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost, therefore it should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments.
Dear Deputy Ward ,
Please find the brief feedback received from Chamber of Commerce Members, concerning the Scrutiny review in respect of the Post-16 Education provision within the island.
Some membership focus commented at the current provision concerning Highlands College, whereby 42% of year 11 cohort go to Highlands – where opinion was that it has an important and vital role to play. It also delivers a range of degree courses – all of which are combined with valuable work experience.
With new unveiled plans for a new college, some members felt this was desperately needed. The current provision was commented on as good but has the potential to be so much more. The buildings are old and don't lend themselves to smarter working and can't make the best use of the space and the campus as a whole. One of the areas that could be improved immensely is the digital provision. Digital Jersey is promoting training and receiving funding, perhaps it would be better if this was partnered with the college, this would seem to make sense.
Highlands currently have two porta cabins in the carpark. This is not ideal.
It was felt that the college could be more commercial, being open 52 weeks of the year with less staff on part-time term time contracts so that is can be staffed all year. This could make best use of the facilities for businesses to access cost effective training and somewhere the population can look to as a one stop place to upskill.
Another area that drew comment concerned life skills in the post-16 age group heading into the workplace:
A local bank commented that it did not recruit school leavers at present, though that my change. Some banks are now going to schools direct to show and discuss the varied careers across their sector.
Some membership experience of recruiting "young adults", pointed to the biggest challenges being around life skills and workplace behaviour.
"There are far too many that need to have guidance, informally, and unfortunately sometimes formally, on what to wear, not to be late, not to be disrespectful to colleagues."
Communication, verbal and written, is also not where it needs to be. One member's feedback questioned "Do they still teach "spoken English" alongside written?"
Finally, a member asked what surveys are carried out in terms of the expected job vacancies likely to arise in the next two-five years and what are we doing to match these with provision of education? Commenting that if we could sort some of these issues, it may help with the productivity challenges Jersey faces.
We hope these general observations provided by different areas of our Membership may prove helpful in gathering your findings and reaching your conclusions.
Yours Sincerely,
Murray Norton, CEO Jersey Chamber of Commerce.