Jersey’s trainee wage was brought back last year after a major government u-turn – now, less than a year later, it has been expanded in a way that could make it easier for local students to get paid work experience during their holidays.

A new ministerial decision broadens the categories of workers who can be paid the lower rate, with officials arguing the change will support skills development and create new opportunities for local people. 

So who now qualifies for the trainee wage? And what conditions have to be met? Express explores…

The trainee wage controversy

The government announced the reintroduction of trainee minimum wage rates in August 2025 – an abrupt u-turn which came less than 24 hours after the Jersey Chamber of Commerce had called for a policy “rethink” following a survey of its members.

The reduced minimum wage was scrapped from the start of 2024, after politicians backed a proposal from Deputy Max Andrews to integrate trainee minimum wage rates into a single minimum rate for all employees above school-leaving age.

But from 1 September 2025, trainee minimum wages were re-introduced – with first-year trainees to be paid £10.50 per hour, and second-year trainees to be paid £11.75 per hour.

After two years, employees must be paid at least the full minimum wage, currently £13.59 per hour.

These rates apply to trainees and apprentices on approved training programmes.

What has changed?

Social Security Minister and Reform Jersey politician Lyndsay Feltham has now agreed to extend eligibility to students undertaking higher-level study.

The move was approved “to support the development and retention of local students undertaking higher level study and to enable relevant paid work experience”.

Previously, the trainee wage was primarily designed for apprentices and employees completing approved workplace training.

Now, some students in higher education can also be paid the trainee rate while gaining work experience connected to their degree or course.

Which students qualify?

Not every student will be eligible.

The new guidance says all three of the following conditions must be met:

  • The student must be actively enrolled in higher education at Level 4 or above.
  • The job must be directly or substantially related to their field of study.
  • The placement can last for a maximum of three months in any 12-month period.

For example, a student studying engineering undertaking a structured engineering placement could qualify.

However, the guidance specifically excludes jobs with “no meaningful connection” to a student’s studies, such as unrelated seasonal or casual work.

What protections are employers required to provide?

The guidance sets out several conditions that employers must meet before paying the trainee rate.

Employers must provide:

  • A written training plan.
  • Clear training objectives.
  • Structured supervision.
  • Mid-point written feedback.
  • A final written evaluation at the end of the placement.

Both the employer and student must also sign a formal written agreement confirming that the criteria are being met.

Which training programmes already qualify?

The guidance confirms that all Highlands College apprenticeship courses automatically qualify as approved training programmes.

Other approved programmes include:

  • CMI Level 3 Diploma in Principles of Management and Leadership.
  • Dental nursing qualifications.
  • Veterinary nursing courses.
  • Health and social care diplomas.
  • Practical horticulture qualifications.
  • Hairdressing apprenticeship programmes.

Employers wishing to use other training programmes must seek approval from Skills Jersey before agreeing a trainee wage arrangement.

What does it mean for students?

The change could make it easier for local students studying both on and off-island to gain paid work experience in Jersey during university holidays.

Expanding eligibility does mean more workers can legally be paid below the standard minimum wage, which, from 1 April 2026, rose to £13.59 per hour. Meanwhile, the Living Wage for this year is £15.10.

However, supporters of the trainee wage argue it strengthens links between education and employment while helping employers recruit future talent, which is important for the island’s workforce – particularly given the so-called ‘Bean drain’.

Government guidance says the new criteria are intended to ensure trainee rates are only used where employment delivers genuine training and practical experience linked to formal study.