14 February 2022
More than 600 people have benefitted from skills training, designed to support people whose roles and careers had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlands College – along with Skills Jersey and Digital Jersey – have been delivering the RETRAIN programme since September 2021. The programe was funded through the Fiscal Stimulus Fund, which aimed to provide temporary, targeted and timely support to aid the recovery from COVID-19.
RETRAIN offered 58 courses across a range of specialisms and industries. This included courses on leadership and management, business start ups, support working in schools and colleges, and electric vehicle repair and replacement.
Everyone who took part in the training is being asked for feedback. To date:
- 90% agree or strongly agree that the courses support their current or future job prospects
- 88% agree or strongly agree that they now have 'in demand' skills for the industries they work in, or want to work in
- 75% agree or strongly agree that the training has made their business more productive
Jo Terry-Marchant, Principal of Highlands College of Further and Higher Education, said: "The RETRAIN programme has been a fantastic success: the additional funding from the Fiscal Stimulus Fund has allowed us to develop a targeted range of courses that respond to the needs of our labour market.
"Crucially, in many cases, completing the courses results in a professional or technical qualification, which will mean that participants can return to the job market confident that their knowledge is going to be recognised by current and future employers
"Additionally, the RETRAIN programme has been a stepping stone into continued learning for many, with several of the courses leading onto additional higher level qualifications."
gov.je