Are you looking to build up your workforce?

Friday 09 October 2015

Building bosses are being urged to help jobseekers build a career in the Island’s booming construction industry.

A number of major building projects are in the pipeline including a new hospital and the States say it’s the right time to train up some new recruits.

Back to Work offers bespoke courses and paid training and has helped 244 Islanders get a foot on the career ladder already this year. It's been helping local builders too with staff shortages - there's been a lack of skilled dry liners and thanks to support from Normans eight jobseekers have just learned the basics of it and are now ready to find work.

Social Security Minister Deputy Susie Pinel said: “Our aim is not just to bring unemployment figures down, we need to ensure the clients we work with have the skills required to make a valuable contribution to the Island’s economy. 

“The construction industry is thriving and we want people working in this area to recognise that their needs as employers are central to the work we do. We’ve continued to work closely with employers listening to what they want and believe this ongoing conversation is essential. We are constantly adapting our approach to reflect the feedback we receive from the industry and I’d urge employers to get in touch.”

This summer Back to Work started funding a Paid Training Programme, paying people the minimum wage for up to 12 weeks while they got the skills they needed to work in the industry and they've used their new skills to help restore and develop Island Games venues, public footpaths and the grounds at Fort Regent.

Bosses wanting to find out more about the training and incentives can email backtowork@gov.je  or call the Back to Work team on 447411.