Guernsey College of Further Education, part of The Guernsey Institute, is launching a new apprenticeship – the ‘Island Operative’.
The new apprenticeship will start in September and has been developed in partnership with industry to provide a recognised training programme for operatives across many sectors including waste management, construction, civil engineering, utilities and roadworks.
A launch event is planned for 20th May to share the programme content with employers who have staff who would benefit from the programme.
Chris Torode, Director of Apprenticeships at the College, explained to Channel Eye: “The new apprenticeship is aimed at those individuals wishing to work as an operative within various industries on the island, including construction site workers, road workers, waste and utilities operatives. We have been working on this for some time with employers, having recognised that there is a skills gap that needs to be filled.
“We would now welcome the opportunity to engage with other industry representatives, so that we can share the apprenticeship content with them and discuss the behaviours, attitudes, knowledge and skills that will be developed by the apprentices who join the programme. We would like to see as many employers at the event as possible.”
Steve Roussel, Director and General Manager of Ronez, said: “There is a clear need for new people to be brought into the industry. Within our operational activity, there is a growing emphasis on health and safety and environmental impact. These apprentices will develop an understanding of how to make operations safe and environmentally friendly. It’s also a great way for them to have an attractive career path and see the opportunities that are available.”
Joe Adams, Service Delivery (Contracts) Manager, from States Works said: “States Works is committed to investing in the training and development of our staff, a key element of which recognises the value of the relationship with Guernsey College of Further Education and the Guernsey Apprenticeship programme. It was recognised that there was a gap in the market for staff development in the waste sector to gain an on-island formal qualification. We believe that the introduction of the Island Operative Apprenticeship will provide the perfect platform for staff to build confidence and develop a broader and more specialist range of skills and knowledge – all whilst learning on the job and earning a wage in this sector.”
Matt Cox, Group Operations Director at Guernsey Recycling Group (GRG), added: “The Guernsey Recycling Group is looking forward to the launch of the Island Operative Apprenticeship this September. We believe the syllabus meets the needs of employers in the construction, utilities and waste management industries, and offers a fantastic opportunity for the next generation of employees seeking to start their career. Graduate apprentices will be well equipped with the practical skills necessary to excel in their chosen pathway and will benefit from work-based placements that will give them hands-on experience and confidence”.
Jenny Giles, Senior Civil Engineer at Geomarine, commented: “Geomarine is delighted to have had input into the collaboration involved in setting up this apprenticeship. We are now really excited to have the opportunity to offer an apprenticeship route for our new operatives and look forward to working with the College to develop this further, in providing recognised qualifications for the skills our staff develop.”
The employer event is being held on Thursday, 20 May from 4.30 to 6.00pm in the Future Chefs Restaurant at Coutanchez Campus.
Anyone wishing to attend should contact apprenticeships@gcfe.net or call 01481 227500 and ask for the Apprenticeship Team.
