New training scheme for home-grown engineers

06 June 2017

Ten engineering firms have joined forces with Skills Jersey to launch a new event to attract Jersey’s young people to apprenticeships and careers in the industry.

The careers evening, which takes place on Thursday 08 June, has been jointly organised by the Trackers Apprenticeship team and the Channel Island Group of Professional Engineers (CIGPE). It ties in with the launch of a new qualification starting at Highlands College in September.

For the first time, trainees employed by local engineering firms will be able to train in the island and will have the chance to join a BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment. This will be available as a day-release course through Trackers.

Darren Sowney, a project manager with Geomarine, is also chairman of CIGPE and said “Engineering is a great career to get into. It’s exciting, interesting, creative and has a lasting impact on our built environment. There are many opportunities for local students in Jersey and the companies taking part on Thursday will be looking to take on students and help them train in the island.”

Trackers Manager Ross Edgar added “The new engineering scheme brings the number of industries we support to 23. This is the first higher apprenticeship we are supporting, which is an exciting development for Trackers and provides a new level of study for on-island apprenticeships.”

The careers evening is open to anyone who might have a general interest in the engineering industry and is the perfect opportunity to speak to a wide range of engineering companies all at one event. It is open from 5pm until 7pm on Thursday 08 June at IFC1, International Finance Centre, Esplanade, St Helier. All welcome.

Education Minister Deputy Rod Bryans said “Trackers has been one of the real success stories of the past few years and continues to go from strength to strength. It effectively links our young people with employers and responds directly to the needs of businesses in the island. The partnership model is of huge benefit and contributes to the excellent success rate.”