10 June 2021
Islanders can now access free places on a range of courses through Highlands College, due to funding from the Fiscal Stimulus Fund (FSF).
The Fund - which was approved by the States Assembly in November 2020 - was launched to support the Island's recovery from the impact of COVID-19 by funding projects which will stimulate the economy.
Applications were invited from Government departments, arms-length organisations, and not-for profit organisations for projects worth up to £5 million, which are expected to be completed by the end of 2021.
Highlands College partnered with Digital Jersey and Skills Jersey to bid for funds from the FSF to provide free places on courses to Islanders. The courses have been chosen specifically to boost productivity, address skills gaps, and support young people who may be returning to education after the pandemic.
There are currently 28 courses available through Highlands College, with more being planned for the near future. Courses currently available cover a wide range of disciplines:
- Professional Courses: AgilePM, ICSA Foundation Programme (Offshore Finance), Change Management, CIPD at various levels up to and including Level 5, Prince 2, CMI at various levels up to and including Level 5, Coaching, Project Management, Trainer Skills
- Culinary and Hospitality: Professional Chef, Culinary Skills, Hospitality Skills
- Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
- IT and Media: Information Technology for Business Leaders, Virtual Media Production, Audio Technology & Production, 3D Modelling, Improving online streams and meetings
- Education: CACHE qualifications at different levels for childcare
- Hair and Beauty: Level 4 Salon Management (provisional), VTCT Level 4 Certificates in Skin Needling and Skin Peeling
- Motoring: Level 4 Award in the Diagnosis, Testing and Repair of Electric/Hybrid Vehicles and Components
There are no set eligibility criteria to qualify for funding. However, anyone applying should have a good level of English, and be able to explain how the course will either boost productivity or help them with their current or future employment prospects.
Jo Terry-Marchant, Principal of Highlands College, said: "We're proud to be supporting the community – and the Island's recovery from COVID-19 – by providing places on a range of courses free of charge.
"There are many Islanders who would love to learn new skills, or retrain for a new career, but who are put off by the cost. This funding allows us to make learning available to more people.
"For example, one of the first courses is the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice. This is the sort of qualification that could enable someone to take their first step in a career in HR, and we're offering it free of charge, when it would usually cost over £3000."
Assistant Minister for Education, Deputy Scott Wickenden, said: "If we want to future-proof our economy, it's vital that Islanders are able to develop their skills, re-train, and be ready for new and emerging economies.
"I'd encourage any interested Islanders to apply for these courses to help them with their future career goals."
Islanders can find out more, and apply, by visiting the Highlands College website and selecting a course.
gov.je