Career OpportunitiesApprenticeships
We offer apprenticeships each year in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, and typically offer one place every two years for a Carpentry and Joinery course. Although preference is given to younger applicants with GCSE`s, we do consider all applications. Applicants for apprenticeships should be expecting to achieve five or more GCSE passes at grades A-C including mathematics and will be asked to sit a Maths and Logic test before being selected for Interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Apprenticeship involve?
An Apprenticeship is a formal agreement between the Education Council, the Employer, the Apprentice and their guardian. It leads to the award of a recognised qualification in the chosen subject, along with relevant employment.
What subjects can be followed in an Apprenticeship?
The primary subjects are Electrical Installations and Mechanical Crafts. However we do offer and support apprenticeships in Joinery and Carpentry, and Painting and Decorating.
What is the time period of an Apprenticeship?
An Apprenticeship covers a period of five years.
What qualifications are required?
Typically applicants will have or be aiming to have GCSE examination passes in Mathematics, Sciences, and CDT or similar. Alternatively a GNVQ qualification may be considered.
Why do I need GCSEs in Mathematics and Sciences?
Apprentices are required to attend the College of Further Education in order to develop and continue their academic career. GCSE performance is a clear measure of academic performance. Mathematics and Science will play a part in all studies.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes, there is a six-month probationary period, which must be successfully completed before Apprenticeship Papers are signed.
What remuneration can an Apprentice expect?
The rates of pay for Apprentices are a percentage of the fully skilled rate. At present the rate for an Apprentice aged 16 is approximately £190.00 per week
How many days holiday allowance does an Apprentice have?
In the first full year of employment an Apprentice would be allocated twenty-two days.
When do Apprentices commence employment?
Apprentices usually commence employment with Guernsey Electricity in August/September and formal papers are signed in February or March of the following year.
What can I expect on completion of my Apprenticeship?
There is no guarantee of continued employment with Guernsey Electricity; however, we have a reasonable expectation of training people to fill vacancies on completion of their Apprenticeship.
Is there further training available after completion of an Apprenticeship?
Yes, all our employees need to keep abreast of developments and so attend training as and when required. Further opportunities are available for staff to progress to senior engineering positions. Many of our Senior Engineers commenced their working lives as Apprentices. In exceptional circumstances, successful apprentices may be offered further full time University study to complete an Engineering Degree.
What happens now?
If you are interested in applying for an Apprenticeship then you should write to Guernsey Electricity now, indicating your academic progress and what career you wish to follow. Alternatively you may wish to come in for an informal discussion about the scheme.
Applications should be received by 8 April each year and successful applicants will be advised by the end of April.