‘Tell overseas graduates about jobs in the Island’

Wednesday 30th July 2008, 2:55PM BST.

AN alumni association to keep Jersey graduates living outside the Island informed about job opportunities here could reduce pressure on immigration, according to Economic Development Minister Philip Ozouf.

In a public hearing before the Economic Scrutiny panel reviewing employment and training opportunities in the Island, the minister said an ‘old boys’ newsletter could attract departed graduates back to the Island.

But he came under fire from the panel, led by Deputy Geoff Southern, over the lack of figures on training and skills, and on the fact that the three ministers in the new ‘skills executive’ dedicated to co-ordinating training initiatives all gave different answers to questions about how many staff were involved.

The other ministers, Education Minister Mike Vibert and Social Security Minister Paul Routier, have given evidence to the panel over the last fortnight.

1
Emily Gallichan

August 16, 2008 at 12:48 am

I’m a recent UK graduate from Jersey and the employment magazines sent to me as a student throughout my study led me to be discouraged about seeking employment in the island. They only advertised the financial and legal office-based jobs available. It made me feel that Jersey was restrictive and stuffy in its opportunities. However a quick look at the JEP jobs section shows that while this field of employment is the majority in the island, there are other jobs out there – perhaps more suited to students who are seeking something less generic. If Mr Ozouf is looking to start a new graduate newsletter attracting graduates back, I suggest it covers the full range of opportunity. Some of us are looking for more than just the job with the highest salary.

Report abuse
2
mtk

November 22, 2008 at 3:02 pm

The main reason I never came back to Jersey after my degree was the limited range of jobs, either in Finance or Finance. Becoming an accountant to help rich people pay less tax or no tax seemed to be an immoral was to live a life! The whole finance industry is build on helping companies avoid paying taxes in the countries they actually operate in. If only we could all avoid paying taxes in the same way!!!! I feel Jersey is morally bankcrupt. At last the whole house of cards seems to be falling apart, although I am sure Jersey will just saying they were offering a service! I cam to the island with a friend on holiday and was amazed how many banks there were. It was hard to explain that they were not real banks where you could go in and pay in your birthday money, but really just a front for international banking tax avoiders!!!!

Report abuse
3
Adrian

January 27, 2009 at 9:47 pm

Its a bit like the Monty Python sketch about spam. You can have spam, spam and spam, etc etc replace spam with finance and you get the picture. Jersey will have to get away from this finance at all costs mentality it is getting the majority of us nowhere.

Report abuse
4
NM

January 30, 2009 at 12:51 pm

I’m not really that concerned about the industry sectors issue being focussed on in other comments. If Finance is the way forward for Jersey as opposed to Tourism, of course it will continue to thrive (until it’s no longer feasible!). Obviously greater prominence on other areas such as Education, Health, Services etc will tempt graduates back, but my issue/barrier for moving back to the island is accommodation. I graduated in 2002, gained employment in England to enhance my experience, bought (eventually) property but now struggle to see how I could ever afford the house prices in Jersey, especially since the crash in values. Are there any schemes in place (other than those in the over £60k household income bracket) for graduates? And if so I think these could be an extra “hook”.

Report abuse