'World-class' Green Skills Academy unveiled

Monday, 28 September 2026 at 08:00

By Harry Booth

Some of the apprentices alongside Jersey Electricity CEO Chris Ambler, Lieutenant Governor Sir Jerry Kyd JBE, and Highlands College principal Lance Chatfield. Picture credit: Jersey Electricity

Jersey Electricity says its new 'Green Skills Academy' is one of the most advanced training facilities of its kind in Europe.

It has been officially opened by the Lieutenant Governor at Highlands College, with apprentices, teachers, government ministers, industry representatives, and trade partners attending the unveiling.

The academy, and its dedicated workshop, is designed to train apprentices in installing, maintaining, and servicing low-carbon heating technology.

£3 million is being invested over five years to train up 36 apprentices through the academy.

Lance Chatfield, Principal of Highlands College, said:

"The Green Skills Academy creates exciting opportunities for our learners. Through this partnership, apprentices will gain access to qualifications and specialist training opportunities that were previously unavailable in Jersey, and they will build careers in a sector that is critical to Jersey's environmental and economic future.

"The Academy is not solely for those beginning their careers, it will support people of all ages and stages of life, whether they are apprentices entering the profession, existing professionals looking to upskill or adults seeking to retrain and pursue new career opportunities. Thank you once again to everyone who has contributed to making this vision a reality."

Chris Ambler, Chief Executive of Jersey Electricity, said:

"When we announced the Green Skills Academy earlier this year, we described it as an investment in Jersey's sustainable future. That vision now becomes a reality. This workshop is a state-of-the-art facility that stands comparison with the very best training centres in Europe and gives Jersey a learning environment that will benefit generations of apprentices to come.

"The transition to low carbon heating depends on having the right skills available locally. By investing in people, training and partnerships, we are ensuring Jersey has the capability to meet that challenge. Most importantly, we are creating opportunities for young people to build rewarding careers while helping to deliver the Island's energy future."

The first cohort of apprentices have already started training and will combine classroom learning with practical experience working alongside local trade partners

Corie Smith, Green Skills Academy apprentice, said:

"I’m really proud to be part of a group of amazing young adults who have been given a great opportunity to drive a greener future for Jersey."