That’s why the launch of the Green Skills Academy marks such an important moment for Jersey.
At Jersey Electricity, we take our role in supporting the Island’s transition to a low carbon future seriously. Not simply because it aligns with our vision to inspire a zero carbon future, but because we believe it’s the right thing to do, for our customers and our community.
Government has identified a growing skills gap as one of the biggest barriers to building a sustainable economy. And that’s something we knew we could help change. The Green Skills Academy is our commitment to bridging that gap and ensuring Jersey has the trade heating expertise it needs to move confidently toward net zero.
We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with Highlands College to deliver this new two-year course that will shape the next generation of low-carbon heating apprentices. Together, we’re creating the foundation for a thriving low carbon heating market in Jersey - one we expect to grow steadily over the next decade and beyond.
The local trade industry is another essential partner. By offering hands on placements, local trade businesses will give apprentices real-world experience installing low-carbon heating technologies directly in customers’ homes. These partnerships ensure the course is a balance between theoretical and practical.
At a time when the number of apprentices entering local trades has stagnated, the Green Skills Academy aims to inject new life into the sector. Over the next five years, the Academy will train 36 apprentices, creating real momentum and demand for green skills within Jersey’s trade industry.
This is a significant investment. Jersey Electricity, together with Highlands College and industry partners, is supporting apprentices with new teaching facilities, specialist equipment and substantial wage support throughout the course. For decades, “growing our own talent” has been at the heart of how JE develops its engineers, and now we’re extending that philosophy to support the wider Island community.
If Jersey is to meet its carbon reduction targets, collaboration will be essential across government, trades, industry, business and education. The Green Skills Academy is our contribution to that collective effort, ensuring we have the local expertise needed to help Islanders move away from fossil fuel heating in the years ahead.
This is more than a training programme. It’s a long-term investment in the right skills to deliver Jersey’s sustainable future.
More information about the course itself will be available in the coming weeks, but in the meantime if you’d like to find out more you can visit www.greenskillsacademy.je
