Guernsey wins training award

Greying hair and retirement plans spurred the department into attracting and developing younger civil and environmental engineers. This resulted in a raft of work experience and university holiday placements for school and university students.

'Last year I even had to brush up on my French when we had a student here from Lyons, ' said Frank Cusack, professional development and training officer for the department. 'We're going down avenues we never originally intended.'

ICE training schemes are also available to attract engineering graduates.

But under the scheme, continuing professional development is also encouraged throughout the workforce, with lunchtime training sessions chaired by engineers and health and safety experts.