CGi Chairman Dave Newman was the keynote speaker and also presented awards at the 2023 Apprentice of the Year Awards and Final Year Apprentice Graduation held at The Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts last week.
Around 300 apprentices formed the 2022/23 cohort, of whom 100 started training last September and 57 graduated this year. In total there were 13 categories ranging from adult care to trowel trades. The scheme has been running of almost 75 years and is a hugely successful study pathway.
In his speech, Dave congratulated the participants and winners for their achievements. He outlined the importance of apprenticeships in business, the partnership approach between the Guernsey Institute and employer and the role of apprenticeships in our society. He introduced the CGi and its role in working with a diverse range of employers which form part of the membership.
Dave illustrated the importance of apprenticeships through a simple of example of a meal out on the Island, which touches retail, hospitality, on-island transport and other sectors, all of whom rely on apprentices as a source for qualified staff.