TGI celebrates 75 years of apprenticeships in the Bailiwick

Around 100 current and past apprentices, employers, politicians, guests and TGI staff gathered together earlier this week (9 December) at a reception held at the Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts to mark the 75th anniversary of apprenticeships in the Bailiwick. Dr Louise Misselke, Principal TGI College welcomed guests and an address was given by the President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, Deputy Dudley-Owen.

Deputy Dudley-Owen gave a brief history of the local apprenticeship programme which was set up in 1949 with a modest budget of just £25. Since then over 5,500 individuals have been trained in their chosen profession, many of whom now run their own successful businesses. “Technical and skilled professions are the backbone of Guernsey’s economy. This is evident in the high number of sole proprietors and small to medium-sized businesses. These enterprises skillfully combine trade expertise with business acumen to deliver quality services across our island”, said Deputy Dudley-Owen. “To continue delivering the high-quality training that our community values and expects, we need fit-for-purpose facilities. Les Ozouets Campus has been long awaited. It has been at least 30 years since the decision was taken to build a new campus to be located on the site of the former St Peter Port School. It has been some journey, but we are inching closer to realising the vision of a mature, adult learning environment which prepares all our post-16 students, apprentices included, for their next steps in education or employment."

Dr Misselke added: “The evening was a perfect way to celebrate the profound impact apprenticeships have had and continue to have on our local community, economy and future success. Apprenticeships form a partnership between educators, employers and the apprentices themselves. I would like to thank those employers who have supported the programme over many decades with unwavering commitment which has ensured the transfer of skills across generations. Equally I congratulate the educators and trainers who play a pivotal role in providing not only the technical knowledge but also the inspiration and confidence for apprentices to thrive.”

Canapés for the event were prepared by current culinary skills apprentices under the guidance of Chef Lecturer Rivelino Rodrigues, who is also a former apprentice. A celebratory cake was cut by the most senior former apprentice in attendance, Terry Le Tissier who completed an electrical apprenticeship between 1950 and1955.