30 September 2015
A government team helping people find jobs, and employers find local staff, is urging employers to get in touch.
Back to Work wants to know how to help support the recruitment and training needs of local firms.
Back to Work has seen 244 job starts in the construction industry this year, in a range of jobs from labouring to carpentry. It's hoped that as a result of a number of initiatives being run by Back to Work, which include bespoke courses, paid training and an employment incentive, this number will continue to rise.
Industry specific courses
The most recent course run by Back to Work and supported by local construction specialist, Normans, saw eight local jobseekers complete an introductory course in dry lining. It was part of a joint initiative with the construction industry to address skills shortages by training jobseekers to meet employer needs.
The training received positive feedback and the Back to Work recruitment team is contacting potential employers to match the newly qualified candidates with suitable roles.
Martin Cullen from J&C Drylining has employed one of the trainees who recently completed the dry lining course. He said “I’ve been very impressed, the training has certainly helped. Patrick arrived with a good understanding of the basics and has picked things up very quickly.”
Paid training
Another initiative, also introduced as a result of feedback from the construction industry is the Paid Training programme. This incentive, which was launched in July, funds a trainee's wages at minimum wage for up to 12 weeks during which time the jobseekers join a structured training programme.
The Foundations programme, also run by Back to Work, helps train jobseekers in a range of skills and benefits the community. This initiative saw a number of projects focus on construction including the restoration and development of Island Games venues, public footpaths and the grounds at Fort Regent.
Continuing to listen to feedback from employers
The Minister for Social Security, Deputy Susie Pinel, said “Our aim is not just to bring unemployment figures down, we need to ensure the clients we work with have the skills required to make a valuable contribution to the Island’s economy. The construction industry is thriving and we want people working in this area to recognise that their needs as employers are central to the work we do.
"We’ve continued to work closely with employers, listening to what they want and believe this ongoing conversation is essential. We are constantly adapting our approach to reflect the feedback we receive from the industry and I’d urge employers to get in touch.”
Employers wanting to find out more about industry training and the incentives available through Back to Work should get in touch.
Email Back to Work
Call Back to Work on +44 1534 447411
gov.je