THIS year’s GTA University Centre prospectus is the biggest ever. The 166-page guide to professional and postgraduate programmes is the first to be published since the Guernsey Training Agency was awarded university centre status by Bournemouth University.

The 2007-8 edition is also the first to carry the new university accreditation and branding.

Since July 2006, the agency has taken on the management of the long-established civil service training programme for States employees on behalf of the Policy Council’s human resources unit. A wide range of courses and training opportunities developed specifically for the public sector makes its debut in the prospectus.

It also covers the extensive range of training initiatives arranged through the agency, ranging from one-day soft skills seminars to professional and postgraduate courses, such as the MSc in corporate governance with Bournemouth University and the MBA in association with Southampton University.

Chief executive Professor Richard Conder said: ‘We are immensely proud of this prospectus.

It showcases the depth and range of courses that we can now offer on-island in all sectors of the economy.

‘The amalgamation of the public sector training programme into the prospectus is a new and very significant step that extends the number of training opportunities traditionally available to civil service staff.’

* Copies of the prospectus can be collected from the GTA University Centre at Richmond House, Ann’s Place or by phoning 721555.