The Department of Economic Development’s Training Division are delighted by the success of their latest NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) pilot course, which ran for four weeks and finished recently. The four week programme was organised by the Department’s Training Services team and delivered by Angelina Boden of Transforming Training. The aim of the course was to prepare individuals for work within the Hospitality and Services Sectors, through the delivery of high quality, industry specific training on critical areas such as Customer Services, Complaint Handling, Conflict Resolution, Presentation Skills and Cultural Awareness. The programme also helped to address some of the issues facing young unemployed people today by focussing on raising self awareness and building confidence. At the conclusion of the course the students delivered three business presentations in pairs to a panel who also quizzed them on their business plans. The panel consisted of: Alex Downie OBE MLC, Department of Economic Development Political Member; Howard Parkin, Public Services Manager, Manx National Heritage; Linda Maddrell, HR Manager, Sleepwell Hotels Group; and Dawn Maddrell, Head of Culture and Arts, Department of Community Culture and Leisure. Ranging in age from 17 to 24 years old, the group of six were: David Callister; Shaun Woods; Robert Dinham; Andrew Cash; Wayne Dale; and Thomas Albers. They will now undertake a six week training work placement, where they can put their new skills into practice. Allan Bell MHK, Minister for the Department of Economic Development, said: ‘The Department of Economic Development continues to play a vital role in reducing the number of NEETs in the Isle of Man and I hope these young men will continue to benefit from the training opportunities this short course has provided. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank all of the sponsors from our local business community who have provided venues, guest speakers, shadowing opportunities and work placements throughout the course. ‘The pilot scheme has proved very successful and it is encouraging that one member of the group has already gone on to successfully gain employment. I congratulate them for completing the course and wish them well for the future.’ Angelena Boden of Transforming Training said: ‘The individual members of the group lacked confidence when they first arrived on the ‘taster’ day. All delegates have now bonded as a group, grown in confidence and have a sound skill base to go out into the workplace. The presentation to the Dragons is the culmination of all their hard work and effort throughout the last four weeks and I am very proud of them. This is a prime example of the Isle of Man giving people freedom to flourish.’ Alex Downie OBE, MLC, Political Member for the Department of Economic Development, said: ‘A lot of people require more specialised one-to-one support which would not be available in the traditional classroom and this course has been able to offer it. ‘I hope these young individuals go on to develop and learn new skills throughout their work. I enjoyed listening to their presentations and I am sure they have a great deal to offer employers and also the wider economic community. By participating in this programme, the group have demonstrated that they are not only motivated but extremely enthusiastic about securing employment in the future and this has given them a valuable insight into Retail, Hospitality and Catering Industries.’ For further information on the NEETs scheme and any other courses currently being offered please contact a member of the Training Team on 687156 or, alternatively, visit www.gov.im/ded Ends