ISLAND-WIDE CELEBRATION OF APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Stories from students, employers and lecturers will be used to showcase the important bridge between education and employment during National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) - which runs from the 5^th – 11^th February 2024.

The stories and insights will be shared on University College Isle of Man’s social channels to draw attention to the advantages of an ‘earn while you learn’ approach to education and bust some of the myths around apprenticeships.

Throughout the week, teams across Government along with industry partners will be collaboratively celebrating the occasion to highlight its importance. University College Isle of Man (UCM) and the Department for Enterprise (DFE) will be sharing stories from apprentices, employers and lecturers on social media, along with supporting displays in the Island’s high schools, UCM and partnering organisations. Love Tech has organised for a team from McLaren Automotive to visit schools and UCM. Finally, the week will culminate in UCM’s open event where there will be a dedicated National Apprenticeship Week stand for anyone wanting to find out more.

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education Sport and Culture, said: ‘As we envision the future of our island, apprenticeships stand as the cornerstone of lifelong learning. These invaluable pathways not only bridge the gap between education and employment but sculpt a landscape where individuals continually evolve, contributing their skills to our community.’

Jan Gimbert, Employability Lead at the Department of Education, Sport & Culture said: ‘The Careers Team are pleased to be supporting NAW again this year.  Most people are aware of the importance of apprenticeship routes into sectors such as construction and engineering, but may not realise that apprenticeship models of employment and training are used across a much wider range of local industries including banking, finance, IT, hairdressing & barbering, hospitality and childcare.

‘By celebrating NAW, we hope to raise the profile of this option as a way of continuing in education whilst working and earning.’

Jo Richardson, Vice Principal of UCM, added: ‘It’s fantastic to see a rise in popularity of apprenticeships, whether that’s using the courses we offer or through in-house training schemes, and when you look at the apprenticeship model you can see why. Students like it because they are earning; often apprentices are school leavers so they are excited to be earning a salary for the first time, and employers benefit because they have a pipeline of well-trained rising stars in their business.

‘What’s really important to note is that apprenticeships are offered at both Further Education level, which is suitable for someone who has up to GCSE-level qualifications, and Higher Education, which is suitable for someone who has completed A Level or Level 3 qualifications.’

Melanie Beattie, Chair of the ACE Steering Group, added: ‘Apprenticeships are a partnership between business, individuals, training providers and Government. By investing in apprenticeships, businesses not only bridge immediate skill gaps but also lay the groundwork for long-term success, fostering a sustainable and adaptable workforce. The STEM Committee champions apprenticeships via our ACE (Awareness of Careers in Engineering) Programme, which aims to inspire young people to take up a STEM career in the Isle of Man.’

To find out more about available apprenticeships, to talk to some industry partners and to DESC’s apprenticeships team, visit UCM’s Open Event on Saturday 10^th February between 10am – 1pm at the Homefield Road campus or visit www.ucm.ac.im/naw