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Employment and Skills 2010 a success 26 November 2010 THE first major showcase of employment and training opportunities since the restructuring of the Isle of Man Government in April proved valuable for jobseekers and those seeking to change careers.  That’s the verdict on Employment and Skills 2010, which took place at the Villa Marina in Douglas yesterday and attracted thousands of visitors. The event, hosted by the Departments of Economic Development (DED) and Education and Children (DEC), replaced the careers conventions run annually in the springtime and placed greater emphasis on providing advice and information for those who are looking for work, including NEETs (those aged 16 to 24 who are not in employment, education or training). More than 40 employers, some of them first time exhibitors, had stands and the engineering and manufacturing and ICT sectors gave cinema presentations. Jobseekers were offered advice on how to create an impressive CV and polish up their interview skills and obtained tips on dressing for the workplace. The DED’s Jobcentre, Careers Guidance Service, Disability Employment Service and Training Services team were on hand to provide tailored advice and options. Clare Christian MLC, Member of DED with responsibility for employment, said: ‘I am very pleased that so many jobseekers took advantage of the opportunity to meet with employers face to face. As a result of our increasingly diversified economy, there is a wide range of opportunities available in the Isle of Man. However, to maintain both this diversification and economic growth we need to ensure that we have an appropriately skilled workforce able to meet the requirements of local businesses. Employment and Skills 2010 is one of the tools we use to help achieve this.’ In addition, nearly 1,000 students – mainly 15 and 16-year-olds – from the five secondary schools, attended in organised groups to talk to employers about the qualifications they need to enter careers before they make crucial A-level choices. Many took the opportunity to return in the evening with their parents for a longer look around. Eddie Teare MHK, Minister for Education and Children, visited the event and said: ‘I was impressed by the range of opportunities that are available to our young people today. When I was considering a career, many years ago, there were very few avenues available on the Isle of Man and most of my contemporaries had to leave the Island. ‘I would like to thank everybody involved in the event as I appreciate it is a major commitment and I would also like to thank the event’s supporter, Energy FM, which broadcast live.’ Photo: Callum Qualtrough, 15, of Castle Rushen High School visit the engineering and manufacturing area at yesterday's event Link: http://www.gov.im/education/eands2010.xml More stories >>>
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