20 January 2015
An initiative designed to get locally-qualified jobseekers into hospitality is being launched by Back to Work.
The 2015 Hospitality Programme gives Islanders who have not worked in the industry before the chance to train on the job. It also gives employers the opportunity to recruit and train locally-qualified jobseekers with financial support from Back to Work.
Eight weeks' wages paid for trainees
Under the programme, developed through feedback from industry, Back to Work will fund trainees’ wages at minimum wage for up to eight weeks while they are being trained by their employer.
For the employer to receive financial support, the trainee must be a locally-qualified jobseeker who has little or no experience in the industry.
The Social Security Minister, Deputy Susie Pinel, said “We understand that it takes time to train and develop new staff and this new structured approach aims to give employers the freedom to train according to their business needs, and gives jobseekers the skills required to succeed in the industry.
“At the end of the eight weeks it is our hope that the trainees will have gained essential skills, and an understanding of the industry, and the employers will have valued members of staff who are ready for the busy hospitality season.”
Experienced jobseekers given support
Jobseekers who have worked in the industry before are not eligible for the training financial support, but Back to Work will work with employers to match them to suitable vacancies within the industry.
The Minister for Economic Development, Senator Lyndon Farnham, said: “The hospitality industry is an important sector which contributes a great deal to Jersey’s economy. This is an important opportunity for the industry to utilise States support to train staff that they might not otherwise have considered. I very much hope that the scheme is successful and helps to introduce more locally qualified staff to the sector.”
Employers and jobseekers can find out more by contacting Back to Work.
gov.je