Students taking part in the Isle of Man Career Ready IT Programme presented their work to an invited audience at the Department of Economic Development last week (1st September).

The Career Ready IT Programme, now in its second year, aims to support students towards the best possible academic success in school; prepare them for the work environment by building sustainable employability skills; and support local employers by providing an extended interview process for selecting members of their potential future workforce.

This year ten sixth form students from three of the Island’s secondary schools invested their entire summer holidays working in paid internships as part of the Career Ready IT Programme.

An appreciative audience of representatives from the Department of Economic Development (DED), the Department of Education and Children (DEC), Career Ready UK (represented by Louise Logan and Ian Nichol) and the Career Ready Local Advisory Board listened to a range of very professional presentations. Challenging questions following each presentation were well received and competently answered.

Matthew and Jess Ward (Castle Rushen High School) said that their placements at CoinCorner had both improved their confidence in the workplace and linked well with career pathway choices by teaching them new programming languages and ‘App’ development techniques.

Jessica Swales (Ramsey Grammar School) made an enthusiastic presentation during which she had the audience racing to solve a programme error before she solved her muddled Rubik’s Cube! Jessica made the important point that it is importance to show patience and resilience at work because ‘perfection can take some time’.

Taylor Davidson (QE2 High School) summed up his learning with, “Always have a plan or you are destined to fail; and make sure you build a portfolio of proof about what you can do.”

All students made it clear that they were grateful to the mentors and employers who have been of practical help and support to them; to their IT A level teachers; and to DEC, DED and the Local Advisory Board.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for the Department of Economic Development, commented:

‘I was impressed by the students’ work and the quality of their presentations. We are always looking to train and keep talented local students, particularly in the fast-growing IT sector.’

Prof Ronald Barr, CEO at the Department of Education and Children, said:

“It was clear that students had significantly developed their employability skills during the programme. In addition they had all been able to contribute to the work of their host company and were proud to do so.”

Geoff Moorcroft, Director of Education at the Department of Education and Children, said:

“It’s clear that the Career Ready programme has contributed a great deal in helping to prepare these young people for work within the IT sector. The summer internships could not have taken place without collaboration between DEC and DED and close work with Head teachers, third sector volunteers and the Manx ICT Association.”

New Year 12 students who are interested in applying for this programme should contact the Coordinator, Andrew Cole via email (andrew440cole523@gmail.com). 

Photo - left to right - Jess Ward (CHRS), Fergus Coulter (RGS), Matthew Ward (CHRS), Duilleann Haywood (CHRS), Killian Comerford (CHRS) and Jessica Swales (RGS).