Scheme launched to teach low-carbon trade skills

A new scheme has been launched to teach technical and trade skills and support a transition to lower carbon usage.

Jersey Electricity (JE) said a partnership with Highlands College would see the launching of Jersey's Green Skills Academy.

Bosses said they were planning to invest nearly £3m over five years to train 36 apprentices, giving them the opportunity to gain a UK-recognised trade qualification, practical trade experience and mentoring from JE.

Chris Ambler, JE's chief executive, 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."

Ambler said that, by collaborating with government and industry, and by directly investing in local talent, they could ensure the "right capacity and skills needed to support the island's transition to low carbon heating technologies are available".

He added: "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."

JE said in September 2026 the Green Skills Academy would welcome a cohort of 12 apprentices to begin their training at Highlands College on a day-release basis.

It said there would be further cohorts in September 2027 and September 2028.

Jo Terry-Marchant, principal of Highlands College, said: "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."

The apprentices would work for local trade partners and JE would fund 75% of the apprentices' salaries in their first year, with trade partners contributing the remaining 25%, project bosses said.

In the second year, salaries would be shared equally between JE and the trade partners, they added.

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