Jersey Electricity has invested in skills for the future by providing Highlands College apprentices with four new training bays to help Jersey’s plumbers and electricians of tomorrow. The two main bays feature an electric boiler and hot water cylinder, the second features a complete air source heat pump installation. In a separate area is a high efficiency electric storage heater and a smart panel heater. All the equipment has been been kindly donated by JE’s Energy Solutions partners Dimplex, Vaillant and the Electric Heating Company and has been installed by JEBS’ (Jersey Electricity’s Building Services) skilled technicians.
JEBS Ian Whyte, apprentice Darren Malzard, Jersey Electricity Energy Solutions Adrian Hadley, Lecturer Norry Murray and JEBS Engineer Daniel Oberst
Jersey Electricity has invested in skills for the future by providing Highlands College apprentices with four new training bays to help Jersey’s plumbers and electricians of tomorrow.
The two main bays feature an electric boiler and hot water cylinder, the second features a complete air source heat pump installation. In a separate area is a high efficiency electric storage heater and a smart panel heater. All the equipment has been been kindly donated by JE’s Energy Solutions partners Dimplex, Vaillant and the Electric Heating Company and has been installed by JEBS’ (Jersey Electricity’s Building Services) skilled technicians.
Lecturer Norry Murray explains the workings of a
heat pump to apprentice Darren Malzard
Norry Murray, Plumbing and Electrical Lecturer at Highlands, said the new training facilities would benefit over 50 apprentices a year. He said: ‘We currently have 10 apprentices studying City & Guilds Level 3 Plumbing Diploma and 20 on Level 2. On top of these day release apprentices, we have another 22 full-time students. Ages range from 16 to mid-forties, with some full-time apprentices on the Advanced to Work Scheme, the States-funded Tracker programme and lads who are looking to change career and get a trade. We also have links with schools through their 14-16 Diploma in Construction programme.
‘We are very grateful to Jersey Electricity Energy Solutions, JEBS and their suppliers for providing these new training facilities. They are like complete home installations and it is far better to get hands-on practical experience than just looking at equipment in text books.’
Ian Wilson, JE’s Energy Solutions Manager said: ‘We need to bring these new skills to the market as more people are moving to low carbon, electric heating systems, in line with the States’ Energy Plan, it is vital the Island has the labour force with the skills to meet the demand.
‘The best way to achieve this is by training the current and workforce of the future in the skills we need and which will provide them with long and rewarding careers. We have our own apprenticeship scheme through JEBS and are therefore delighted to help Highlands College. We are also grateful for our supplier partners for making this possible through their generous donations of equipment.’
