The Department of Economic Development’s Careers Service and Isle of Man College have worked in partnership to deliver a successful five day entry to employment training course. Twelve participants between the ages of 16-20 who were not in education, employment or training (often referred to as NEETs) have all successfully completed the course. Eleven of them have already progressed in to employment, training or further education. Of the eleven participants progressing, three have successfully gained employment with Surestrike and start work at the beginning of May. Other participants have taken advantage of a new work placement initiative organised by the Department, which allows young people from across the Island to gain work experience placements and some have applied to the Isle of Man College to further their education. The training course offered recognised national qualifications at Level 1 and 2 in Health and Safety, Food Safety, Customer Service and First Aid as well as training in relation to interview technique and employer expectations. Upon completion of the course, the participants were each guaranteed an interview with the new Surestrike Bowling Alley in Ramsey. This incentive spurred the young participants on and the course provided them with the knowledge and skills required for the positions they were applying for. Minister for Economic Development, Allan Bell MHK commented: “It is excellent to hear of the positive outcomes the training course has brought to these young people. My Department has worked hard to support the young unemployed in the Isle of Man by being proactive in offering assistance and it’s very good news that these opportunities are being taken advantage of.” Mrs Clare Christian MLC, Department Member with responsibility for the Careers Service said: “I would like to congratulate the twelve young people who took up this positive opportunity and successfully completed the course. The course has helped broaden the horizons of the young people involved and it is very encouraging to hear that they have either gone onto full-time employment, work placements, or applied to further education at the Isle of Man College.” Mary Wilson, Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Employer Liaison added: “The College was pleased to facilitate this training in Ramsey and we are delighted by the success of the candidates who gained very useful skills and national qualifications for the workplace. They should quite rightly be proud of their excellent achievements. We continue to work closely with the Department of Economic Development and the Careers Service and see such training and skills building as the key role of education. We wish all the candidates well and good luck in their new roles.” Alan Price, Managing Director, Surestrike bowling alley commented: “The training course was a great success and really improved the quality of the candidates interviewed for the job vacancies available at the bowling alley. I look forward to welcoming the successful three to our company in the very near future.” ENDS