In partnership with Highlands College, Jersey Electricity is launching Jersey’s Green Skills Academy to ensure the Island has the necessary technical and trade skills available to support the Island’s transition to a low carbon future.
Jersey Electricity (JE) will invest nearly £3 million over five years to train 36 apprentices, supported by a newly developed facility at Highlands College designed to enable future training for generations to come.
This technical apprenticeship will involve collaboration between the lead partners working closely with the local trade to offer apprentices a qualification currently not available in Jersey. The course will offer the opportunity to gain a UK recognised trade qualification as well as practical trade experience, with JE providing mentoring and coaching to support the apprentices’ development.
JE’s chief executive Chris Ambler said: “This is more than just a training programme, it’s a strategic investment in Jersey’s sustainable future; we are building an education facility to deliver Jersey’s low carbon future. By collaborating with government and industry and by directly investing in local talent, we will ensure the right capacity and skills needed to support the Island’s transition to low carbon heating technologies are available. We’re really pleased to be doing this at a time when governments are recognising the value of apprentices for the economy and individuals. With a 500% increase in demand for air source heat pumps in 2025, we believe there is significant work for the apprentices over the next two decades in Jersey and a huge opportunity to build rewarding careers in the energy and trade sectors.”
In September 2026 the Green Skills Academy will welcome a cohort of 12 apprentices to begin their training at Highlands College on a day-release basis, with further cohorts joining in September 2027 and September 2028. Apprentices will work with local trades to support customers installing low carbon heating solutions, with the first cohort graduating in summer 2028 as fully qualified Low Carbon Heating Technicians.
Jo Terry-Marchant, Principal of Highlands College, said: “We’re proud to partner with Jersey Electricity on this initiative. The Green Skills Academy is an important step towards equipping apprentices with the technical and trade skills needed to ensure Jersey can support the transition to net zero. It’s a welcome addition to our College apprentice programme.”
Deputy Rob Ward, Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, added: “The Green Skills Academy marks an important milestone for both skills development and our Island’s commitment to sustainability. By investing in these practical, future-focused skillsets we are not only supporting the Island’s energy transition, but also opening pathways to meaningful, high quality employment for locals. This initiative will boost our economy by generating skilled jobs and strengthening apprenticeships, it’s an investment in both our people and our future.”
Pictured: Left to right: Chris Ambler, CEO Jersey Electricity, Jo Terry-Marchant, Principal Highlands College, Rob Ward, Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning
