£3M new Jersey Electricity 'Green Skills' apprentice academy

Thursday, 12 February 2026 08:30

Chris Ambler, CEO Jersey Electricity, Jo Terry-Marchant, Principal Highlands College, Rob Ward, Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning

Jersey Electricity is setting up a 'Green Skills Academy' with Highlands College, to train future electricians as Low Carbon Heating Technicians.

JE is investing £3 million over five years to train 36 apprentices, supported by a newly developed facility at Highlands College.

The trainee electricians will gain a UK-recognised qualification which is currently not available locally.

Jersey Electricity will be paying 75% of their first-year wage to encourage local trades to take on apprentices, who otherwise wouldn't be able afford to.

In September 2026, the Green Skills Academy will welcome a cohort of 12 apprentices to begin their training at Highlands College on a day-release basis, with further cohorts joining in September 2027 and September 2028.

Apprentices will work with local firms to support customers installing low-carbon heating solutions, with the first cohort graduating in summer 2028 as fully-qualified Low Carbon Heating Technicians.

JE’s Chief Executive Chris Ambler says it's more than just a training programme:

"It’s a strategic investment in Jersey’s sustainable future; we are building an education facility to deliver Jersey’s low carbon future.

"We’re really pleased to be doing this at a time when governments are recognising the value of apprentices for the economy and individuals.

"With a 500% increase in demand for air source heat pumps in 2025, we believe there is significant work for the apprentices over the next two decades in Jersey and a huge opportunity to build rewarding careers in the energy and trade sectors.”

Jersey Electricity says the apprenticeship is open to school-leavers and people wanting a career change.