The Isle of Man Career Ready Programme supports 6th form students studying Computer Science A-Level with a focus on high achievement and work readiness. We are generously supported by the Departments of Economic Development (DED) and Education & Children (DEC) and we are affiliated with Career Ready UK, with full access to their substantial resources.

An important part of the programme is mentoring and coaching. On Tuesday 1st December at St John’s Mill the students and employer volunteers attended a mentor training session and had the first opportunity to meet each other.

The student’s networking and communication skills were put to the test as they mingled with members of the business community including Duncan McLeod (AFD software), Bill Dunlop (GTS), Richard Cowin (Hansard Global), Annette Baker (Head teacher, Ramsey Grammar School), Roger Bankes-Jones, Owen Cutajar (School ICT Champion), Mark Robson (DED) and Jane Jelski (DED).

On Thursday 10 December 2015, 14 students from the Isle of Man Cluster will travel to London to kick start their Career Ready programme, and will enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to Accenture, Fenchurch Street, London. The event, called A Capital Experience, is organised in partnership with Career Ready, a UK wide charity linking employers with schools and colleges to open up the world of work to young people.

In the morning the students will join 1,600 other young people from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, all of whom are beginning the Career Ready programme. Students will hear from a motivational speaker Action Jackson, as well as Career Ready alumni who have achieved career success.

Mr Graham Cregeen, Political Member for Employment and Skills in the Department of Economic Development, said:

“I am delighted to see such effective collaboration and partnership working between the private sector, Government and schools to help young people to get ready for the workplace. This is an excellent programme which is helping learners to progress and achieve their full potential, with the support of the business community.

“I have spoken to several students who are taking part in this and they say that they appreciate the opportunity to have a real life experience of the workplace. I would like to personally thank everybody who has been involved in helping to make this programme happen in the Isle of Man.”

If you are interested in becoming a mentor please contact Isle of Man Co-ordinators Jo Davies or Andrew Cole via cready.im@gmail.com. 

For more information about Career Ready visit: www.careerready.org.uk.

Photo - (from left to right): Jay Waters, Lewis Dawson, Thomas Clague.