What's Happening?
An event in Guernsey, organized by the Guernsey Institute under the initiative GradRoutes Guernsey, is set to encourage young people, including students and graduates, to remain on the island for work.
The Homegrown Futures event aims to dispel misconceptions about the career landscape in the Bailiwick and highlight the diverse job opportunities available. Scheduled for December 22 at the Chamber Offices in the Market Buildings, the event will feature local workers from various sectors such as digital, legal, public sector, HR, and construction. Scarlett Gallagher, a university student from Guernsey, noted that while there are more job opportunities in the UK, living at home is expensive. Michelle Morley, the project lead, emphasized that the event is timed to coincide with the return of students and graduates for the holidays, aiming to showcase the potential for rewarding careers on the island.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is significant as it addresses the challenge of retaining young talent in Guernsey, which is crucial for the island's economic and social development. By highlighting local career opportunities, the event seeks to counter the trend of young people moving to the UK for better job prospects. This could help in sustaining the local economy by ensuring that emerging talent contributes to the island's workforce. Additionally, it strengthens the connection between young professionals and industries in need of skilled workers, potentially leading to innovation and growth in sectors like digital innovation, public service, and finance.
What's Next?
Following the event, it is expected that there will be increased engagement between young people and local employers, potentially leading to more job placements and internships. The success of this initiative could prompt similar events in the future, fostering a culture of local employment and career development. Stakeholders, including the States of Guernsey and local businesses, may continue to collaborate on strategies to make the island an attractive place for young professionals to live and work.
