Benefits of Training
Those involved in training and education might take it as given that training is a "good thing" and perhaps feel that the case is so obvious that it doesn’t need to be justified. Training and investing in staff is certainly one of the most valuable but also the most expensive investments that an organisation can make. Such investment needs to be justified and capable of measurement. 

The case for training in the Bailiwick of Guernsey is at least as strong as in the United Kingdom. In common with the UK and the rest of Europe, there is a continuing demand from individuals at all stages of their careers for technical, professional and postgraduate education and continuing professional development. Again in common with other economies, employers in the Bailiwick face a competitive challenge for skilled staff, a rapidly changing commercial environment, limited human and physical resources and the natural ambitions/expectations of their staff.  

All of this means that there is a persistent and inescapable need for vocational and work-related training, both to increase skill levels and ensure strong, long-term economic performance. The good news is that investment in training benefits employer and employee alike. Research both on and off the Island shows that:

• Staff retention levels improve in an environment where staff are encouraged and enabled to develop their knowledge and skills 
• Female and male employees see enhanced career progression and rewards following periods of structured training 
• Productivity in the workplace improves at a significantly higher rate than the cost of investing in staff development and training 
• The organisation which invests in training achieves higher output and value added per employee. 

The Guernsey economy has always had to be more adaptable and quicker to change than other larger and more diverse economies – one of the ways in which it is able to confront such challenges is through a commitment to training, education and lifelong learning. The evidence indicates the demand and need for training within the Bailiwick continues to grow - the conclusion must be that learning and training represents excellent value for money for employee, employer and Guernsey as a whole.