10 April 2018
New fees for businesses who employ migrant workers are being used to pay for courses which improve the skills of established residents. So far, 170 local people from a diverse range of industries including hospitality, retail and construction have benefitted from the first 19 courses to be part-funded in this way.
This is part of a programme which will use funds raised from the new levy to invest £300,000 per year in skills.
Fees for businesses
The fee for registered permissions was introduced last year to reduce the reliance on non-local labour and fund training and initiatives to mitigate long term skills shortages in the island. Businesses pay £50 every November for each registered permission they hold.
Courses on offer
Courses were developed following feedback from a survey of businesses, and so far this year include: coaching skills for manager and supervisors, principles of customer service and Microsoft Excel and Outlook courses. The next programme of courses will soon be available to applicants, and will include a number of new leadership and management courses.
Brett Brimble, owner of Salon SB, whose staff attended the customer service course, said: “The team said the delivery of the course was very engaging, upbeat and relevant. Although all are experienced professionals, they felt the course helped them to think about the way they approach their clients and deliver excellent customer service. You are never too old to refresh your skills. We would definitely be interested in following up with other courses.”
Developing skills
Assistant Chief Minister, Senator Paul Routier, said: “It is encouraging to hear that employers from across the sectors are keen to encourage their people to develop skills and build on their existing knowledge. This enables staff to become more confident and create a strong foundation for themselves, while also strengthening the local labour market so we can rely less on people from outside Jersey because we have the necessary “home grown” skills across a range of sectors.
“The feedback about these courses has been very good. It is welcome news that they are seen as worthwhile and valuable by employers. It also helps strengthen links between our industries when participants from different sectors can share their views and experiences with each other.”
gov.je