Current and recent university graduates will be surveyed to understand what might prevent them from returning to and working in the island – other than cost of living and housing pressures.
The Guernsey Institute is leading the initiative – christened ‘GradRoutes’ – to identify any barriers and develop new methods to encourage youngsters to stay.
It comes as it’s widely recognised many young adults who travel to study in higher education don’t return to Guernsey after graduating.
It wants to make coming back home more attractive and feasible to bolster the talent pipeline locally to address skills shortages.
Current opportunities will also be highlighted to graduates to show them how they can build a career at home.
A survey has been launched to explore if and when people plan to return, and what factors are influencing that decision – but only with an opportunity, skills or education focus.
Eligible people will be entered into a prize draw for a £100 Amazon voucher after completing the survey.
You can access the survey HERE.
Jacki Hughes, Principal of TGI, said the island’s future depends on attractive young skilled people to support the economy.
“Through GradRoutes Guernsey, we’re trying to get into the detail of why some young people are not returning to the island, so that we can work at speed to remove barriers and find solutions,” she said.
“We want to help graduates see that they can build meaningful, rewarding futures at home. By tackling skills gaps and supporting lifelong learning, this initiative is about investing in our people – ensuring Guernsey remains a vibrant, resilient community for all.”
Michelle Morley, Project Lead for GradRoutes Guernsey, added: “We’re excited to launch GradRoutes Guernsey and to start conversations with students and graduates – both on and off the island – about the opportunities available here.
“Guernsey has much to offer ambitious young people, and we’re eager to work closely with local employers and professional associations to showcase just how rewarding a career here can be.
“We encourage as many applicable graduates as possible to complete the survey, which will enable us to build up an accurate picture of what barriers are currently preventing people returning to the island, because while we know that housing and cost of living are issues, we are also interested in exploring barriers that may exist in the career opportunities, skills and education spaces.”