Digital Skills course to get schoolkids out of the classroom

Tuesday 24 February 2015

Grainville pupils are going to get a unique opportunity from the start of the September term – the chance to get out of school and do a new “Digital Skills” qualification with Digital Jersey.

The new qualification will involve pupils aged 14-16 getting pulled out of class on a Friday morning and going down to Digital Jersey’s Hub, where they will get training from business leaders and the opportunity to apply their new skills in business environments.

The pupils who complete the  two-year course will get a vocational qualification.

Grainville headteacher John McGuiness said that the new course was an exciting opportunity for the students.

He said: “The launch of this project presents a real opportunity to both our students at Grainville and I hope, in the future, all students in Jersey.

“The course will answer a deeply-felt need for a closer partnership between business and education in Jersey, and provide students with confidence and experience in the world of business and entrepreneurialism, setting them up for the future on both a professional and a personal level.

“I would like to thank Digital Jersey, the Department of Education and local Island businesses for this opportunity."

The course is being formally launched at an event at the Hub that starts at 5.30 pm tonight.

Digital Jersey director Carla Harris said: “This initiative follows work from the Education Department and Learning and Skills Technical Action Group of Digital Jersey, to foster links with the world of work and the business community.

“The programme is in total alignment with Digital Jersey’s Skills Availability and Development objectives of ensuring skills meet current and future needs for business and the community.

"The evening will be a great opportunity for local businesses to learn more about how they can get involved, become a business mentor and support each team with their start-up business idea.”