Martin Burns, ops director at law firm Brady & Gallagher, has been outspoken in his alarm over the recent abolition of the trainee wage. He terms it “a huge error.” On January 1, 2024, a different ruling went into effect. The States Assembly approved to set a one minimum wage to be paid to all staff members. This dramatic shift has caused significant financial strain on companies and created feelings of bitterness and disappointment among apprentices in the field.
Burns shared that his firm recently lost three or four apprentices. They could no longer afford to pay them at all or to pay them the same rate as fully qualified staff. He pointed out that this decision has caused frustrations for currently experienced trainees as well.
They just said ‘hold on, I’ve been training for two years – why is somebody who’s just come in getting paid the same money as me?’ Burns stated.
Brady & Gallagher were just getting prepared to onboard three new apprentices in September. At the same time, Burns emphasized that restoring a trainee minimum wage would help mitigate some of the burdens employers and apprentices face in industry. Beginning September 1, first-year trainees will receive £10.50 per hour. Second-year trainees are guaranteed to earn a minimum of £11.75, and those already in training will make at least £13 an hour.
The operations director said they hoped these changes would prompt more young people to take up vocational training in Jersey. He blasted the federal government for not consulting with businesses ahead of rolling out the new wage structure.
They could have done a lot better by talking to the industry,” Burns said. Most importantly, he underscored the need for better communication to help level-set businesses’ concerns with realities.
Brady & Gallagher took zero first-round trainees last year. This unintended omission exposes a significant flaw in the system, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the news of the shipbuilding industry is hugely positive, Burns cautioned against the approaching gap in the industry. We’re only a few years away from a dangerous deficit of skilled tradespeople.
We are now catching up a period for almost two years. This is on top of already experiencing a shortfall during the Covid pandemic. He explained.
Wills Baker, who recently completed an RHS Level 2 apprenticeship in horticulture, echoed Burns’ sentiments about the importance of trainee schemes for young people in Jersey. He focused especially on their place in providing excellent qualifications and experience.
“By supporting trainees and apprentices with fair starting rates, we’re opening more doors for Islanders to gain valuable qualifications and experience.” – Deputy Rob Ward
