Review highlights gaps, shortcomings and barriers to lifelong learning

Jersey lacks a modern, fit-for-purpose base for accessible vocational training, a scrutiny review has concluded.

The Education Scrutiny Panel has been examining access to lifelong learning, such as vocational training, apprenticeships and 'upskilling' opportunities.

It has exposed 'substantial barriers' such as financial and cultural hurdles especially for career-changers and for small businesses wanting to train employees.

These are exacerbated by an 'outdated' Highlands College campus and a lack of a central training centre that brings together learners, educators and industry.

The review calls on the government to look into how Jersey's vocational skills hub can be upgraded by the end of 2026, making 20 recommendations for improvements.

The report says Highlands College plays a central role by delivering a range of vocational programmes, and 'serves school leavers effectively', but it falls short when it comes to access and infrastructure.

Panel chair Deputy Catherine Curtis says Jersey's economy rests on having skilled people.

"There is an agreement that the Highlands College campus needs to be completely updated because it cannot offer everything it would like to offer.

"Highlands College does extremely good work, but it is hampered by its facilities.

"People want to be able to change careers sometimes as well, especially in the changing world and with AI, so we need to make sure all the courses are available."

Another problem the panel wants the government to solve is the lack of information about vocational courses.

It found that there is no central online hub to inform people about what they can learn and what help they are entitled to.

As well as a shortcomings in awareness, other barriers to access have been highlighted.

The review has found that they 'disproportionately' affect particular groups, including people with disabilities and neurodivergence, women, mature students and those who are carers.

It concluded the current system 'lacks cohesion' and 'does not fully support the island’s future skills needs'.

The Panel believes that Jersey needs to identify clear skills priorities for the future workforce and prioritise developing a modern flexible lifelong vocational learning system.

It calls on the Education  Minister to review apprentice subsidy levels and eligibility rules, and to commission a feasibility study for a modern Highlands College campus.

Relocation Highlands was included in the government's major investment plans 'Investing in Jersey', unveiled last summer.

It outlined plans for a new further and higher education campus in St Helier.

Earlier this year Deputy Rob Ward announced a review of apprenticeship funding after a report highlighted unfairness.

He said:'...apprenticeships now span a wide range of education levels, from Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE) through to postgraduate degree level. This shift highlights the need to reconsider how funding is allocated and calculated.'

Read: 'Unfair' apprenticeship funding under review

The Minister will respond formally to the scrutiny's Lifelong Learning review in due course.