Make Guernsey Institute a priority – Education
EDUCATION wants to fast track £51m. of funding to help develop The Guernsey Institute.
The committee’s president, Matt Fallaize, has written to Policy & Resources Committee president Deputy Gavin St Pier to press the case for it to be made one of the States’ main priorities over the next 12-18 months.
The money is needed for a new purpose-built facility at Les Ozouets, which received States’ approval last year.
Education wants support for construction to start early in the life of the next States term, in advance of any developments which may follow the review of secondary education which is now under way.
The committee argues that The Guernsey Institute – which integrates the College of Further Education, GTA University Centre and Institute for Health and Social Care Studies – can play a key role in helping the island’s economy recover from the pandemic.
‘The Covid-19 crisis has been the most significant shock to our economy in decades and the future now looks more uncertain,’ said Deputy Fallaize.
‘Government needs to stimulate economic development, support the labour market and invest in the development of skills and knowledge which are needed to secure the future prosperity of our community.
‘Against that backdrop, our committee’s project to create The Guernsey Institute and to get the students, staff and industry partners into modern, well-equipped facilities has become even more important.
‘For far too long there has been under-investment at the College of Further Education in particular, but we are now on the brink of a period of substantial investment in higher education and we should prioritise and accelerate it as the first major project of the Revive & Thrive strategy.
‘Young people and adults looking to learn new skills will be key to revitalising the economy and The Guernsey Institute will be a place to get first class training as well as linking skilled people with industry and commerce.’
