Employers are encouraged to sign up for an innovative scheme to assist young people in their career choices.
Inspiring the Future Isle of Man will be launched with speed dating-style session between those at work and Year 9 students at Ramsey Grammar School.
Inspiring the Future is run by the Education and Employers taskforce, a UK-based charity whose partnership board includes representatives of leading industry bodies such as the CBI and those representing education. It is being extended to the Isle of Man free of charge.
The scheme helps schools to forge partnerships with employers that provide students with the inspiration, motivation, knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to help them achieve their potential, so benefiting the economy.
The scheme’s extension to the Island resulted from the Employability Working Group, which was set up to help bridge gaps between school and the workplace in the face of changing economic challenges and growing competition in the jobs market.
The working group comprises representatives of the Departments of Education and Children and Economic Development and business and voluntary organisations. It has three priorities: involving employers more directly in careers education; communicating job-related information digitally and enhancing work experience opportunities.
Annette Baker, chairman of the working group, is inviting employers and individuals from any profession to take part in the launch event on Monday 13th October from 9.15am to 11.30am.
‘We want people from all walks of life to sit down with students and talk to them about what their job involves, what qualities and attributes they need to be successful at it, what training opportunities there are, what skills they use daily and what their typical day or week looks like,’ Mrs Baker said.
‘The fast-moving format will see students move from table to table, gaining a flavour of professions they might not even have considered.
‘We have volunteers already, especially from the finance sector, but are keen to attract others from a whole variety of areas.’
Mrs Baker said: ‘Employers and individuals who can’t commit to this event can visit www.inspiringthefuture.org and add their details and schools can invite them into similar events as the scheme gets off the ground locally. The website is a great resource for schools.
‘The Island’s diverse economy allows young people to consider a wide range of opportunities but it’s important they have access to quality information so they can make informed choices. We hope employers and their staff will find it rewarding to invest in the future of our young people.’
Nick Chambers, Director of the Education and Employers taskforce, will attend the launch, as will Clare Christian MLC, President of Tynwald, Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education and Children, and Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Economic Development.
Mrs Baker said Ramsey Grammar had been chosen as the venue as its headteacher, David Trace, was instrumental in bringing Inspiring the Future to the Island.
In the same week (13th to 17th October) in the UK, Inspiring the Future is launching Primary Futures, encouraging volunteers to spend an hour a year with children, discussing their job, and how literacy and numeracy skills helped them. Locally, primary schools are inviting in representatives from the world of work to forge basic links and it’s hoped the scheme will grow.
To take part in the launch event or for more information about Inspiring the Future Isle of Man, email a.baker@bhs.sch.im.
Photo- Mrs Baker and Mr Chambers.
