The number of places for engineering apprentices in the Island is set to treble.
The news has been announced by Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce which had been urging government to expand training facilities for the sector.
Nearly 3000 people are currently employed in manufacturing and engineering, and according to Chamber Chief Executive Mike Hennessy, the immediate challenge is to find skilled people to do the work, not work for the people!
Mr Hennessy says Chamber's proposals were taken-up by the Departments of Economic Development and Education, which will now explore the possibility of setting-up an an engineering apprentice academy.
It's hoped a minimum of 36 apprentices will start in September 2013.
The Chamber's been active with the DED in a separate project to raise awareness of engineering in Island schools, which has helped drive the demand for more places.
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