Skills Jersey

Skills Jersey was established under the chairmanship of Richard Plaster last year with a remit to support the development of the skills of the local workforce and those about to enter it. To date it has been involved in the development of higher education opportunities at the new University Centre for Jersey, encouraging greater emphasis on literacy, numeracy and vocational education in our schools and colleges and planning for a new apprenticeship scheme to be launched in 2010.

During the course of its work last year, it became obvious that many local companies and organisations already make a significant contribution to developing skills within the Island, either through a top-level commitment to the development of their own staff, through a commitment to the wider community by offering students work-experience opportunities, or by going the extra mile to support the disabled in the workplace.

In recognition of this, Skills Jersey will be offering a Skills Development Award certificate to organisations which support skill development. For further details Please contact David Greenwood at Education, Sport & Culture, on 445504.

Also, following the success of the two Jobs Fairs held in 2009 and the high number of people actively seeking work on the Island, Skills Jersey is proposing a third, similar event, to take place early February. They are currently contacting employers to gauge interest so please contact Jenny O'Brien at Skills Jersey with your feedback.

Advance to Work scheme would like your help!

Advance to Work has been set up as part of the States of Jersey’s Fiscal Stimulus package to support young people aged between 16 and 19 who are experiencing difficulty finding work during the economic downturn.  The scheme is designed to act as a stepping stone into the workplace by providing on-the-job training for three or four days per week alongside extensive vocational and key skills training.  The three month work placements are unpaid and the trainees receive approximately £90 a week from Income Support whilst they participate in the scheme.

Advance to Work are currently looking for placements in a variety of roles within the finance sector. For full information, click here or contact Sophie Le Sueur, Project Manager, Advance to Work on 449371.
 

An Apprenticeship Scheme for the Future

The Skills Jersey Board are interested in hearing from employers regarding the potential expansion of the Apprenticeship Scheme into new areas such as business administration, customer care, butchery and bakery. They are keen to hear your views on the new framework and which sectors would benefit from inclusion within the apprenticeship scheme. 

For more information, click here. For further details or an informal chat on the apprenticeship scheme, please contact Chris Kelleher at Economic Development on 448142.