Courses leading to the diploma for working in the early years sector and the diploma in supporting teaching and learning usually cost £3,060 and £2,225 respectively but will be free under the new scheme.
Project lead for the programme, Chris Roughsedge, said the aim was to make it easier for eligible adults to achieve their first Level 3 qualification.
‘It forms part of the wider TGI adult skills strategy, which is about creating learning opportunities for adults to upskill and progress in their career,’ he said.
‘We know cost is a significant barrier for many, and so removing the cost barrier seems a practical way to support adults in that.’
The two courses have been chosen because they specifically offer opportunities for adults to learn skills that will either enable them to progress or to move into those areas.
Previously, either employers would pay for the course as part of an employee’s development, or they would have to fund it themselves.
Both courses chosen for the programme offer career and vocational pathways, which Mr Roughsedge said seemed like a good opportunity to test the model.
‘They’re both very relevant for the Guernsey setting.
‘It’s not only about supporting individuals to have agency and choice in their career decisions, but also employers who want to recruit locally.
‘It is a significant amount of money that can be a barrier for people, particularly people coming into the sector.
‘There are a range of barriers, cost is obviously one, but it’s highly likely that they are already in a job with other commitments, so we can also use this pilot as an opportunity to trial delivery models that best support people.’
The size of the cohort will be tailored, based on the expressions of interest it receives.
Eventually, it is hoped there will be a range of vocational qualifications available for free.
La Petite Ecole Footes Lane manager Fenella Wilson said the scheme would help with the supply of staff.
‘I think it’s the same across most industries at the moment. The more people we can get or can give some kind of incentive to have a career change or come into the industry it is going to be helpful,’ she said.
‘It is so beneficial for the children seeing those high-quality interactions that come from our practitioners that have been on the Level 3 course. They link their activities to child development, get them to hit their next milestone or flag any areas where there may be challenges, and point them in the right direction for extra support.’
All candidates must be aged 19 or over and ordinarily resident in Guernsey and Alderney for at least 12 months immediately prior to the start of the course, hold a residency certificate or permit, and not yet hold a full Level 3 qualification, which is equivalent to two A-levels.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, contact freelevel3@tgi.ac.gg.
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