On Thursday 10 December 2015 14 students from Ramsey Grammar School, Castle Rushen, QE2 and St Ninian’s travelled to London to kick start their Career Ready programme and enjoyed a behind-the-scenes visit to Accenture, Fenchurch Street, London. The event, called A Capital Experience, was 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 joined 1,600 other young people from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, all of whom are beginning the Career Ready programme. Students heard from motivational speaker Action Jackson, as well as Career Ready alumni who have achieved career success.

As part of their visit to Accenture in the afternoon students were given a masterclass on networking and communication by a team of international graduates.

Career Ready offers a programme of masterclasses, mentoring, workplace visits and internships that helps students prepare for the world of work. The IOM Cluster group has been working with Career Ready for 2 years to help students gain the skills, attitudes and experience they need to succeed in their future careers.

Students commented that the visit was “A 10/10 experience, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.” Student Rose Ten Donkellaar remarked, ”we all learned loads about the world of work and a got a few tips on how to get ahead early.”, This was confirmed by another student Morgan Skillicorn who said ‘It was a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting experience for everybody involved. My favourite part was seeing all of the new technology at Accenture, it was so cool!’

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

"I am delighted that these young people have had such a valuable and positive experience in London. It is very important that we engage with employers to help young people to understand the exciting and varied opportunities that exist in the world of work, on this occasion focusing on the IT sector."

Anne Spackman, Chief Executive of Career Ready, said: “It is always fantastic to welcome students from right across the country to experience work and life in the capital. We know that for some of them it will have been their first trip to London, and to walk into the glass and marble towers of the capital and realise that they are welcome and that someone like them could work there, is an inspirational moment for students.

“We hope that moment of inspiration will stay with them throughout the programme and motivate them to aim higher in their future careers.”

Jo Davies, Career Ready Co-Ordinated commented:"The minute we arrived into the city the students were engaged and motivated. The Accenture work place visit was a great insight into how a Global Company works and how accessible these opportunities are for our students."

For more information about Career Ready visit: www.careerready.org.uk or Contact Jo Davies or Andrew Cole on cready.im@gmail.com.

Photo - Morgan Skillicorn at Accenture.