Island urged to create lifelong learning hub

An academic has warned that Jersey is falling short when it comes to lifelong learning, leaving islanders struggling to upskill and change careers.

Dr Steve Daniels, from the Jersey International Centre of Advanced Studies (JICAS), said opportunities for vocational learning were scattered across more than a dozen institutions, with no central hub to make courses easier to find.

"We are not yet the sum of our individual parts," he said. "Until we achieve this key aspect of gathering forces, we will continue to struggle to provide the necessary opportunities for vocational teaching and learning in Jersey."

Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning Rob Ward said he agreed change was needed.

JICAS runs postgraduate research programmes on island biodiversity and conservation in partnership with the University of Exeter, as well as short courses on heritage and sustainability.

But Dr Daniels said funding for advanced study was a major barrier.

The Jersey Bursary Scheme offers up to £10,000 per applicant, but Dr Daniels argued the system lacked clear criteria and did not prioritise students who studied on-island.

"Over the past eight academic years, JICAS has awarded well over £100,000 of bursaries to Jersey residents to compensate for these shortcomings," he said. "The impact this has had on our bottom line is staggering."

Women and those seeking career changes face the biggest hurdles, according to Dr Daniels, who believes better funding and a centralised learning space would make education more inclusive.

He also said the island needed to focus on transferable skills like critical thinking, cultural intelligence and effective communication, rather than just meeting private sector demands.

In response Deputy Ward said Jersey would benefit from a central hub for further and higher education in St Helier.

"A shared space could help providers work more efficiently and achieve better value," he said.

"These ideas can be explored as part of the plans to relocate and redesign the Highlands College campus so it sits in a central location with modern, purpose-built facilities that can accommodate independent providers.

"Bringing providers together in one place has the potential to strengthen the overall offer and support long-term sustainability."

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