ISSUE 7 AUTUMN 2021
NEW APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME LAUNCHED Guernsey College of Further Education, part of The Guernsey Institute, has launched a new apprenticeship – the Island Operative. Starting in September 2021, the new course has been developed in partnership with industry.
The new apprenticeship will provide a recognised training programme for operatives across many sectors including waste management, construction, civil engineering, utilities and roadworks. The College is hoping that the scheme will be attractive to many employers who have staff who would benefit from the programme. Chris Torode, director of apprenticeships at the College, explained who they hope to reach: “The new apprenticeship is aimed at those individuals wishing to work as an operative within various industries on the island, including construction site workers, road workers, waste and utilities operatives. We have been working on this for some time with employers, having recognised that there is a skills gap that needs to be filled.” Steve Roussel is the director and general manager of Ronez and has been involved in bringing the new apprenticeship scheme to fruition. He said: “There is a clear need for new people to be brought into the industry. Within our operational activity, there is a growing emphasis on health and safety and environmental impact. These apprentices will develop an understanding of how to make operations safe and environmentally friendly. It’s also a great way for them to have an attractive career path and see the opportunities that are available.” States Works has also had input to the plans. Joe Adams is the service delivery (contracts) manager, and said training is key for staff at his organisation: “States Works is committed to investing in the training and development of our staff, a key element of which recognises the value of the relationship with Guernsey
College of Further Education and the Guernsey Apprenticeship programme. It was recognised that there was a gap in the market for staff development in the waste sector to gain an onisland formal qualification. We believe that the introduction of the Island Operative Apprenticeship will provide the perfect platform for staff to build confidence and develop a broader and more specialist range of skills and knowledge - all whilst learning on the job and earning a wage in this sector.” The Guernsey Recycling Group is also excited about the launch of the new training course as group operations director, Matt Cox, explained: “The Guernsey Recycling Group is looking forward to the launch of the Island Operative Apprenticeship this September. We believe the syllabus meets the needs of employers in the construction, utilities and waste management industries, and offers a fantastic opportunity for the next generation of employees seeking to start their career. Graduate apprentices will be well equipped with the practical skills necessary to excel in their chosen pathway and will benefit from workbased placements that will give them hands-on experience and confidence. “We look forward to welcoming our first students in September, and working with the Guernsey College of Further Education and the other participating employers to ensure apprentices enjoy the course and are able to access the expertise which will be freely shared between our different companies.” Jenny Giles is a senior civil engineer at Geomarine Ltd, and has also been involved with setting up the scheme. She says they are looking forward to
WE BELIEVE THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THE ISLAND OPERATIVE APPRENTICESHIP WILL PROVIDE THE PERFECT PLATFORM FOR STAFF TO BUILD CONFIDENCE AND DEVELOP A BROADER AND MORE SPECIALIST RANGE OF SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE.
welcoming their new trainees this year: “Geomarine is delighted to have had input into the collaboration involved in setting up this apprenticeship. We are now really excited to have the opportunity to offer an apprenticeship route for our new operatives and look forward to working with the College to develop this further, in providing recognised qualifications for the skills our staff develop.” Students and employers can find out more information about the new apprenticeship, including how to enrol, on the College’s website at www.guernseycollege.ac.gg Guernsey Property and Construction
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