Welcome to the Guernsey College of Further Education

We have thousands of students enrolling at the College every year, and we offer over 300 different courses. Most of our students are on part-time courses. However, we also have about 400 full-time students, many of whom come to us straight from school. They can study a wide range of subjects and can learn different skills. But the quality that we try to develop in all of them is a positive attitude.

I have spoken to various groups of local employers, discussing with them what it is they are looking for when they employ young people straight from school or college.

They tell me that they are looking for a combination of knowledge, skills and attitude. Knowledge of the area of work is important, but not the most important element. Employers believe that they can pass on any specific knowledge required to their new recruits.

Skills are very important. Employers tell me that they especially require basic literacy and numeracy skills as well as some basic ability with IT. They want people who can competently use simple software such as word processing and spreadsheets.

However, the most important thing they are looking for is attitude. They want positive, smiling, self-motivated individuals who are prepared to take responsibility for themselves and be prepared to work closely with their fellow colleagues. They all outlined the need for good communication skills, both in dealing with customers as well as with colleagues. They want staff who are prepared to use their initiative and, as the Americans would say, 'go the extra mile'!

So, while you're here at College, we will do all that we can to help you develop a positive attitude to everything that you do. This is going to be most important when it comes to you leaving College and finding work. Of course, although we will do all that we can, the person who is most influential in developing that positive attitude, is YOU!

On the subject of attitude, I came across this recently:

If 'a' = 1%, 'b' = 2%, 'c' = 3% and so on through the alphabet, what percentage would the word 'attitude' give you?

Work it out!

If you can't be bothered (bad attitude!) the answer comes to 100%.

Clever, eh?

Trevor Wakefield