AN attempt to commit the government to developing a strategy for encouraging and helping young Islanders to return to Jersey after attending university fell short during this week’s States sitting.
Reform Jersey Deputy Lee Carpenter’s bid to amend the government’s proposed Common Strategic Policy failed to gain enough support from the Assembly.
The St Helier representative had sought to include a commitment within the CSP document for the government to “develop a strategy for young Islanders wishing to return to Jersey”, encompassing “maintaining communication with students during their studies, access to affordable housing and graduate career opportunities upon returning to the Island”.
Education Minister Catherine Curtis, who is also a member of Reform Jersey, was among those who rejected the proposal.
She told States Members that work in this area was already “ongoing” and “in a good place”, stating that refocusing officers’ time on a strategy would not be “especially productive or helpful”.
Among other examples of existing initiatives, the minister cited “regular” communications sent by Skills Jersey to students studying outside of the Island – including “ad hoc” emails promoting local jobs, events, training and other opportunities.
Deputy Carpenter argued that “siloed work in isolation is usually inefficient and lacks the ability to track success”.
He said: “A strategy is how we move from good intentions to results. It makes us set clear objectives for what we’re trying to achieve.”
Deputy Carpenter also said a strategy would ensure funding and resources “are allocated where they will have the most effect”.
The amendment was defeated, with 29 votes against and 17 in favour.
