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ESC has written to Policy & Resources asking for the funds to fast track the £50m development of a new higher education centre at Les Ozouets.
The Committee's President Matt Fallaize says the project should become a cornerstone of the island's 'Revive and Thrive' strategy and commence early on in the next States term, ideally before the end of 2021.
The Guernsey Institute, which has already received States backing, will integrate further and higher education provision in one place through a purpose-built facility at Les Ozouets.
The project has been estimated to cost up to £51m. “The Covid-19 crisis has been the most significant shock to our economy in decades and the future now looks more uncertain," said Deputy Fallaize.
"Government needs to stimulate economic development, support the labour market and invest in the development of skills and knowledge which are needed to secure the future prosperity of our community."
Pictured: The Guernsey Institute is a merger of the College of FE, the GTA and the Institute of Health & Social Care.
"Against that backdrop, our Committee’s project to create The Guernsey Institute and to get the students, staff and industry partners into modern, well-equipped facilities has become even more important.
“For far too long there has been under-investment at the College of Further Education in particular, but we are now on the brink of a period of substantial investment in higher education and we should prioritise and accelerate it as the first major project of the Revive & Thrive Strategy.
"Young people and adults looking to learn new skills will be key to revitalising the economy and The Guernsey Institute will be a place to get first class training as well as linking skilled people with industry and commerce."
Deputy Fallaize goes on to emphasise the project's "widespread political support" and the endorsement it has received from professionals at the three organisations which are being integrated.
Pictured: The College of FE site at Les Ozouets has been underinvested in for a number of years and there is widespread support for a purpose-built facility on the site.
Julian Winser, the Chair of the Shadow Board of Governors for The Guernsey Institute, said there is every reason to push forward with the project.
“We are hugely pleased at the positive progress being made by The Guernsey Institute as we bring together the future opportunities of the College of FE, the GTA and the Institute of Health & Social Care," he said. "The potential for this important project to be given priority is fabulous and is fully supported by all stakeholders.”
The creation of the Guernsey Institute is unaffected by the successful requete in February to 'pause and review' ESC's wider transformation plans for secondary and post-16 education.
The following month, the Committee proposed narrowing the terms of that review and excluding further education, which has allowed work on the project to be continued.
Pictured top: ESC President Matt Fallaize has asked P&R for the funds to fast track the Guernsey Institute development.
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