Employers, educationalists, industry leaders and members of government are invited to attend a conference that will address an issue that is key to the success and prosperity of the Isle of Man.
 
The first Employability, Productivity and Leadership conference, being held at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club on Wednesday 10th October, will discuss how young people can best be equipped for the world of work in these changing economic times.
 
Organised by the Departments of Education and Children and Economic Development, the conference will harness input from the Government, employers and educators as well as representatives from voluntary organisations and the business community, who will share strategies and establish priorities.
 
Those willing to make an input are invited to give up their time to attend the conference, which opens at 8.30am, runs until 2pm and is free to all delegates.
 
As well as encouraging young people to gain the qualifications they need to succeed in their chosen careers, the DEC – through its ‘six Rs’ curriculum – aims to instil in young people the qualities of resourcefulness, resilience, remembering skills, reflectiveness, readiness and building positive relationships, so they are equipped for adult life.
 
‘Though the conference will acknowledge the considerable work already done by education and employers to prepare young people for the workplace, it will discuss how this can be developed,’ said Annette Baker, Deputy Headteacher at Ballakermeen High School and one of the event’s organisers.
 
‘We would be grateful if those with a stake in the success of the Island would come along and share their views and help us to ensure future generations of students make a successful transition to work, enjoy rewarding careers and make their contribution to the economy.' 
 
Kieran Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of Greater Merseyside Connexions, one of the UK’s leading career guidance organisations, will be a keynote speaker at the conference. He will share his perspective on the issue of employability. Kieran said: ‘Young people face a future which is not centred on a job for life but is based on a need to develop transferable skills, knowledge and behaviours to respond to opportunity as it arises. Mindset and attitude are, increasingly, important factors.
 
‘Those involved in their development need to engage in this development at an early age – reaching back into primary education. This is no longer an issue which is relevant only to those reaching the end of their time in compulsory secondary education.’
 
Doug Strycharczyk, Managing Director of AQR Business Consultants, and Gaynor Lewis, Director for Business Development at the Institute for Leadership and Management, will also be speaking at the event.
 
John Shimmin MHK, Minister for Economic Development, said: ‘Employers have a vital role to play in engaging with educators and those involved in the personal development of young people to ensure that these processes deliver what is needed. We hope that this important conference will provide further impetus to our cross-sector work centred on maximising the life chances of young people and securing the economic prosperity of our Island.’
 
Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education and Children, said: ‘The 21st Century is bringing new challenges for young people – the employees of the future – and employers. We are delighted to work with the DED to provide a unique opportunity for all those involved with the development of young people on the Island to learn from each other, to take stock of where we are and establish how we move forward from here.’
 
To book a place at the conference, email cpdbookings@doe.sch.im with your name, title, organisation and phone number by Monday 17th September. You will receive confirmation of your place, plus joining instructions, after that date. Refreshments throughout the day and a free lunch will be provided.
 
For further information about the conference, please contact Annette Baker, Deputy Headteacher, Ballakermeen High School on 648700 or by email a.baker@bhs.sch.im.