FRONTIER ECONOMICS’ proposed model for a Guernsey ‘skills agency’ would add a level of bureaucracy that would stifle the GTA University Centre, according to the Confederation of Guernsey Industry.

Chairman Peter Budwin (pictured) cast doubt on whether the agency would work as set out in the consultant’s Upskilling Guernsey’s Workforce report.

‘The proposed new structure includes an agency which would look after upskilling needs across all States departments and the private sector.

‘The Frontier model is based on the structure in use in Jersey. The main difference is the Jersey Skills Agency is primarily staffed and directed by business and industry, whereas the Frontier model has it staffed mainly by politicians and civil servants with what appears to be some input by business/industry.’

Mr Budwin said Commerce and Employment, which commissioned the review, said that set-up could change after the consultation process.

‘The CGi is concerned that if the proposed model becomes a reality in its current form, this new level of bureaucracy will stifle the success the GTA University Centre has achieved in a very short period, primarily because it has been allowed to operate outside the mainstream education system,’ he said.

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