Apprentices use their skills to build a vehicle

27 February 2014

The first batch of Transport and Technical Services (TTS) apprentices have used their skills to rebuild a vehicle which is now being given to Highlands College.

The eight TTS apprentices took a vehicle which was unroadworthy after an accident and stripped it, restored the engine, and built a rolling frame. TTS are now donating it to Highlands College so that other apprentices and students in full time education can use it to learn and apply new skills.

The apprentices, from TTS' mechanical, electrical and fleet management sections, are the first group to be trained in-house by fully-qualified TTS technicians.

Philip Dodd, Mechanical Engineering Manager for TTS, said “We have a lot of highly skilled staff at TTS and I am really pleased we have been able to develop this training along with the technicians that allows our staff to pass on their knowledge and which will provide long term benefit for the Island skill base.”

Apprenticeship leads to a broad skills base

TTS decided to provide training modules which would give the apprentices competency in a broader range of skills than they would have received elsewhere.

Since the apprenticeships started last September just over half of the 15 training modules have been delivered, covering areas including bearings, pumps, shaft alignment and boiler maintenance.

The modules run for between one and three weeks, with apprentices graded on their attitude and skill, and expected to keep a log book and portfolio of work as evidence of the skills learnt. After their four years of training, apprentices who do not go on to full time employment with TTS will have an extensive record of experience to showcase to potential employees.

The modules are designed to cover the broad range of technical skills needed to support TTS across its sections: Sewage Treatment Works, Energy from Waste plant, Ports of Jersey, and Fleet Management.