AN INTEGRATED business and IT course is being launched for islanders and local firms. The BTEC Higher National Certificate in business and IT – jointly run by the College of Further Education and the Guernsey Training Agency – means that students gain the breadth of both types of knowledge that is often required by employers.

Nicola Hall – course leader at the college – said that it was ‘a nice mixture’.

‘It caters to the changing nature of work. People are expected to have a much wider base of skills these days.’

Employers who were consulted have already given their approval.

‘We’ve been getting a very positive response.’

The two-year HNC is available to young and mature students who wish to move up the career ladder. An internationally-recognised course, it provides grounding in key concepts and practical skills required in business as well as progression into employment or further study.

Mrs Hall said the next stage was to get support from employers and candidates so the college could tailor the course accordingly.

‘It’s your college, so tell us what you want,’ she said.

College principal Trevor Wakefield said he was trying to offer a broader range of courses at different levels.

‘This offers students progression,’ he said.

‘This is a level-four course – we’ve got level two and three – so this plugs the gap.

‘We’re working with the Training Agency because they have some level-five courses, so we are offering a seamless pathway.’

The course is part of Edexcel – one of the three major awarding bodies in the UK offering vocational, academic and occupational qualifications.

Training Agency chief executive Professor Richard Conder said it was a ‘foundation stone’.

‘A range of programmes can build on this, from HNDs and foundation degrees through to master’s degrees.

‘The significant point is that higher education is changing fast. Top-up fees and the cost of living in the UK are potentially going to be much higher.

‘The opportunity that Edexcel offers provides us with a way for students to remain on the island and attain a host of qualifications while remaining in employment.’

He added that off-island study frequently meant that local firms lost employees.

This allows students to keep their current job.

More information is available by contacting Mrs Hall at the college on 735500 or e-mailing her on nicolah@gcfe.net

Edexcel also has a website at www.edexcel.org.uk