FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PRESS RELEASE

5 April 2021

Falkland Islands Government Management Trainee Programme: April update

In November, the Falkland Islands Government welcomed two new management trainees as part of a two-year initiative aimed at identifying and supporting the next generation of government leaders.

The programme provides a consistent approach to study and training via a schedule of activities to prepare participants for a future career in the public sector. During the first five months of the programme, one participant spent five months in the Policy and Economic Development, while the other worked within Development and Commercial Services. From April, both will undertake a series of shorter rotations across Health, Education, Mineral Resources and Natural Resources, before moving on to a final, longer rotation which will complete the first year of the programme.

When asked about their experiences, both trainees confirmed that they have enjoyed the variety of work, having been given the opportunity to work within a range of services and projects, providing useful insight into the day-to-day running of different departments. They were also both surprised by the ‘behind-the-scenes’ aspect of the programme, which demonstrated just how varied roles and responsibilities are across government, as well as significant daily workloads and busy diaries.

The opportunity to take part in regular discussions with the Chief Executive and HR Director was also welcomed, with one trainee commenting that this meant that any issues were resolved quickly. As part of the programme, both participants are studying leadership and management qualifications with the support of Falkland College, and at the end of the second year will have gained the requisite skills, knowledge and personal abilities that they need to succeed in their careers.

There was also praise for the mentorship aspect of the programme, whereby each trainee has a senior leader with whom they meet regularly to discuss not just the programme, but also longer-term goals and aspirations. Both participants praised the fact that not only is this a useful support mechanism, but also provides a valuable an outlet away from the main part of the programme.

Director of HR, Carol Hever, said: “Our management trainees have impressed the people that they have been assigned to work with from day one of the programme. Their willingness not only to learn and to contribute to the daily running of the government, but also to commit to the success of the overall programme, has been brilliant to see. I very much look forward to seeing what the next six months brings for them both.”

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