06 December 2012
A new apprenticeship programme has been launched by Education, Sport and Culture (ESC) to replace the scheme previously run by the Economic Development Department.
Nearly 40 people have already joined the ESC programme, called Trackers, which is designed to provide training opportunities and career progression for both full-time learners and people who are already in employment.
The apprentices receive their enrolment certificates from the Education, Sport and Culture Minister at an official launch ceremony on Thursday 6 December at Fort Regent.
Trackers
Up to 120 places will be available on Trackers over the next three years. To be eligible candidates must have:
- five years' residency in Jersey, and
- motivation, perseverance and a commitment to ongoing training, and
- strong evidence of relevant work experience, or
- a specific industry qualification, or
- evidence of a real desire to find work in a specific industry or skill area
An important aspect of the new Trackers programme is the use of mentors to help guide both apprentice and employer.
The mentor will track the apprentice’s progress, identify employment or placement opportunities and offer support. The Trackers programme focuses on developing the key areas of:
- technical knowledge
- professional development
- literacy and numeracy
- workplace competence
Training
ESC Minister, Deputy Patrick Ryan, said “We are putting the emphasis firmly back on training and we hope that Trackers will broaden the scope of vocational opportunities in Jersey. It takes the old concept of apprenticeships and updates it to create a new, more flexible training programme that can help more people reach their goals and provide a highly skilled workforce for Jersey. The aim is to create a three-way partnership between ESC, employers and apprentices.
"Apprenticeships have traditionally been viewed as a path for people who want to enter construction-related careers, but this programme allows people to train in a wider range of professions. The aim, over time, is to help Jersey address skills gaps in a variety of industries and to provide the support needed for people to complete the training that will achieve this.
“Over the longer term we hope employers will see Trackers as a programme that can help them find an apprentice who is committed and receiving the right training to do the job.”
Support
The Chair of the Jersey Skills Board, Richard Plaster, added “The Board strongly supported the bid for funding in the recently approved Medium Term Financial Plan, as this programme will support young trainees wanting to move into the skilled roles vital for the future wellbeing of the Island. Trackers is unique in that it provides training, support from mentors and strong partnerships with employers.”
The apprentices still on the previous scheme run by the Economic Development Department will be able to complete their training on that programme.
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