26 April 2016
Local construction companies are being encouraged to review their skills gaps and take advantage of the recruitment opportunities and training support available through the Social Security Department’s Back to Work Construction Programme.
Under the programme, Back to Work will fund trainees’ wages at minimum wage for up to twelve weeks. During this time trainees will undertake structured, on-the-job training with agreed outcomes which will ensure they have every opportunity to gain essential skills whilst in a real working environment.
The programme matches jobseekers, who are interested in working in the building industry, with local employers who are looking for new talent. For the employer to receive financial support, the trainee must be a locally-qualified jobseeker who has little or no relevant experience in the industry.
David Johannsen, Director of the Best Group Limited, is a local employer who has already recruited using the Construction Programme. David said "The service and help I have received from Back to Work Recruitment has been brilliant, and the Construction Paid training scheme has been an invaluable way of taking on a trainee. I have been very impressed with the support I have received from the recruitment officers and would recommend the scheme to anyone. It’s perfect if you want to find good quality employees without having to worry about recruitment and training costs.”
Equipping jobseekers with new skills
The Social Security Assistant Minister, Deputy Graham Truscott, said “Despite the number of registered jobseekers falling last month to the lowest recorded since 2011, we are acutely aware that we need to continue to equip jobseekers with the skills they need to find long-term employment in the future.
"We need to help local employers create sustainable jobs – and this can only be achieved with growth and innovation based on a solid skills base. The Construction Programme is tailored to meet the specific needs of local businesses, so I would encourage all employers in the construction industry to call Back to Work at Social Security to find out how we can help.”
Jobseekers who already have relevant skills and experience in the industry, whilst not eligible for the training initiative, can be matched to employers with suitable vacancies.
Construction employers wanting to find out more about experienced candidates, industry training and incentives available through Back to Work should email backtowork@gov.je or call the team on 447411.
gov.je