£9,000 Skills Fund announces first ever recipients

Wednesday 19 June 2019

A military veteran, a researcher and an aspiring journalist are the first recipients of support from a new fund aimed at helping islanders invest in their careers and future set up by the Chamber of Commerce.

Military veteran and local volunteer David Fitton will be supported, as he completes the City and Guilds certification in tiling, and further develops his mentoring skills, as he undertakes a career change to provide more flexibility for his family life.

He was chosen as one of the £9,000 fund's three recipients following a month-long application and review process.

A military veteran, Mr Fitton has been managing Grouville Football Club’s first team for some time and recently saw them to victory with a league win and cup double. He also coaches and mentors young people and maintains strong connections with the local military veteran community.

Having completed his research project on nanoparticle tracking analysis, working with a researcher from Dalian University in China, Corey Stewart will also receive support from the fund as he begins his MSc inPhysical Chemistry this September.

Corey’s work, involving successfully using a novel instrument to model the crystal growth of a new form of nanoparticle, has shown the ability to capture carbon dioxide along with a range of other applications in the industry. It is in the process of being published.

Isabelle Bougeard will be the third recipient. The recent university graduate is due to begin a Masters in Broadcast Journalism at London City - a university well-regarded within the industry.

Isabelle hopes to land a training contract shortly after course competition, gain valuable experience in all areas of journalism, hone her skills and then bring them back to Jersey to continue the advancements local journalists are making.

Jennifer Carnegie, President of Jersey Chamber of Commerce said: “Chamber has long recognised the importance of encouraging skills from as wide range of sectors as possible. These awards rightly reflect the broad spectrum of skills we have within our members and within Jersey. We chose our winners carefully and with excitement. We look forward to how they will all progress."

Adam Budworth, Managing Director of fund sponsors Grant Thornton, added: "We were delighted to see such a great number of applications to the Skills Fund. It was also encouraging to see such diversity. The recipients that were chosen demonstrate a perfect fit to Grant Thornton’s vision for this Skills Fund."