05 March 2015
The first group of trainee window fitters to have completed a new Back to Work programme are today (Thursday 5 March) demonstrating their skills to potential industry employers.
After two weeks of classroom training, the nine jobseekers will be putting their window fitting skills into practice before an industry-certified trainer at Normans Five Oaks.
Potential employers have been invited to see the trainees working on a training rig, and will be invited to offer them apprenticeships.
Filling a skills gap
Simon Chard, Managing Director of Norman Limited said there was a skills gap for qualified window fitters in Jersey.
“We are just one of a number of businesses in Jersey that need more experienced window and door fitters,” he said. “A training programme to train candidates to an appropriate industry-recognised level is exactly what we need to provide, if we are to continue to employ locally.
“We are delighted to have supported the States of Jersey Back to Work scheme in setting up the GQA Level 1 course by providing management time, equipment, and the use of our facilities, with the end result being to create a pool of qualified fitters within the Island.”
Potential for repeat programmes
If successful, Back to Work will run the programme again, with up to 12 trainees involved in each one.
The Social Security Minister, Deputy Susie Pinel, said “Our strategy is to work with the industry to identify and address those areas of construction where demand for skilled staff is not currently being met by Jersey’s workforce. Through training, we are enabling jobseekers to help meet that demand. This is a great example of Back to Work, working in partnership to benefit the whole industry.”
Employers and jobseekers can get involved
Employers or jobseekers who would like to find out more can do so by contacting Back to Work
gov.je