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Guernsey's Chamber of Commerce will host a panel discussion on education, lifelong learning, and shaping the future workforce to tackle a crippling skills shortage in the island.
It said that despite the island’s full employment, Guernsey’s businesses are feeling the strain of a critical skills shortage and an ageing population which are stalling expansion and fuelling a mounting pressure to attract and retain talent.
The event, Invest in Skills, Reap the Rewards, will explore how education and other critical factors like infrastructure, housing and training play a role in shaping the island’s future workforce.
Held on Wednesday 6 November, leaders in education, business, and government will take part.
Pictured: Leaders from Guernsey's businesses will form the panel
Principal of Ladies' College, Danielle Harford-Fox, will join as an expert panellist to debate the key challenges hindering Guernsey's growth and talent development in education.
Ms Harford-Fox Principal of Ladies' College
Ms Harford-Fox previously emphasised a need for a shift in the education system stating how the current one remains rooted in outdated methods established during the first industrial revolution, prioritising rote learning and knowledge acquisition.
"We rank children on their ability to recall information, but we aren’t measuring the skills that will truly prepare them for a fast-changing world, skills like collaboration, influence, emotional regulation, and flexibility," she said.
Other expert panellists include:
Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller will also provide insights from the government, sharing updates from recent initiatives aimed at tackling the issues raised. The debate will be moderated by Justin Bellinger, Chamber Director and former CEO of Sure Guernsey.
“The skills gap is a pressing issue for Guernsey’s future,” says Alice Gill, Executive Director of the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce.
“Our members are already struggling to recruit talent, and this challenge will only grow if we don’t rethink education, learning and the way we do business. We need to provide vibrant post-school opportunities and a strong business environment to attract and retain people.”
For more information and to register click HERE
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