2021 MANX INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME LAUNCHED

The Department for Enterprise has announced that it is launching the 2021 Manx Internship Programme, which provides short-term internship opportunities for students and interested individuals looking for work experience across different industries and sectors of the Manx economy.

The Programme, which was originally launched in 2020, was an initiative directly introduced as a result of the Economic Recovery Fund; formed to stimulate growth and protect jobs as part of the Isle of Man’s financial fightback from coronavirus.

The Programme, led by Business Isle of Man, an Executive Agency of the Department for Enterprise, provides wage support for intern’s equivalent to the current rate of the National Living Wage (which as at May 2021 is £10.19 per hour), for up to 35 hours per week for private, public and third sector organisations, with placements lasting for an average of eight weeks.

Organisations will be matched with interested individuals and students who are looking to gain real world work experience and improve their CV, as well as those considering a change in career.

Minister for Enterprise, Laurence Skelly MHK, commented:

‘Given the continued impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the Isle of Man Government remains committed to supporting the Island’s graduates and those individuals looking for a career change, to help contribute to the future of our economy.’

‘Internships are proven to deliver huge benefits, both for the individual and the business involved. Since its launch, the Programme has not only provided direct opportunities for over 150 individuals to improve their employability and skills for the future, but has supported local businesses with additional resource to help with specific projects or coronavirus recovery work. I strongly encourage any individuals looking for internships and businesses who are interested in hosting an intern, to submit their applications as soon as possible.’

Peter Quayle, COO and co-founder of Memory Lane Games Limited, hosted several interns throughout the 2020 Programme; commented:

‘We took part in the 2020 Internship Programme. We were delighted with the quality of the students. Every one of them was enthusiastic to learn about the workplace and wanted to make a real contribution to our business. Out of the five interns, two returned to their studies, one started his own business and two joined us as full time employees.’

‘Not only were the interns excellent, but the efficiency of the Department for Enterprise Programme was outstanding. It took less than an hour of my time to process the paperwork for each intern.’

Those organisations looking to host interns will need to provide information on the scope and aims of each project and provide a line manager for the duration of the placement. Placements could focus on a wide range of business functions, such as website development, undertaking research work, implementing an IT system, social media audits or COVID-19 recovery projects.

The Internship Programme forms part of the Department for Enterprise’s Graduate Ecosystem, which includes a range of supportive measures for graduates looking to take up employment in the Isle of Man, including the introduction of the Graduate Role Incentive; a new scheme which offers local businesses up to 20% of the first year salary and an employer National Insurance rebate for each returning or incoming graduate hired into supported roles.

To find out more about the Graduate Role Incentive, visit: https://www.iomdfenterprise.im/financial-support/funding/graduate-role-incentive/

Further information for individuals and businesses and application forms to register for the 2021 Internship Programme are available here: https://www.businessisleofman.com/initiatives/internships/