Dear Employer,

Highlands and Skills Jersey hope this letter finds you safe and well. We have been very mindful of the challenges you and your employees are facing and we are here to support you in these turbulent times.

We understand that many of you may have concerns about the sustainability of your business and therefore how you can provide for your employees.

We would want to reassure you that you are all in the forefront of our minds and we are doing all we can to continue learning. Currently, tutors are delivering theory classes to apprentices so that they can make progress at home. Clearly, we cannot do practical assessments, or carry them out on-site, so we expect there to be a delay in apprentices achieving their qualifications.

The College leadership team, Skills Jersey and Trackers are aware that your apprentice may have become unemployed as a result of COVID-19 and Trackers mentors, as well as college tutors, are keeping regular contact with trainees to advise and guide them.

Please do not hesitate to contact Skills Jersey, or the College, if you have any concerns about the wellbeing of an apprentice.

As you will already be no doubt aware, we are developing a one-stop shop for employers and potential trainees so that you can access the training and support you need simply and quickly.

The Government of Jersey is supporting employers through the COVID related Emergency Support Scheme; please refer to

https://www.gov.je/Health/Coronavirus/BusinessAndEmployment/Pages/index.aspx

We anticipate there being a greater demand for training once things return to the new normal. The new single application process to access apprenticeship training should be available from May 2020 and it will provide more details on the offer, support and charges.

Stay safe, look after yourself and your family of relatives and employees and we look forward to working closely with you again.

Yours sincerely,