THE Employment and Skills 2010 event, held last week, attracted thousands of people looking for a new job or a career change.
The event, hosted by the Departments of Economic Development (DED) and Education and Children (DEC), took place at the Villa Marina. It replaces the careers conventions which are run annually in the springtime.
Employment and Skills 2010 places greater emphasis on providing advice and information for those who are looking for work including NEETs – young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in employment, education, or training.
Clare Christian MLC, DED Member with responsibility for employment, said: "I am very pleased that so many jobseekers took advantage of the opportunity to meet with employers face to face.
"As a result of our increasingly diversified economy there is a wide range of opportunities available in the Isle of Man. However to maintain both this diversification and economic growth we need to ensure that we have an appropriately skilled workforce able to meet the requirements of local businesses. Employment and Skills 2010 is one of the tools we use to help achieve this."
Nearly 1,000 students – mainly 15 and 16 year olds – from the Island's five secondary schools attended in organised groups to talk to employers about the qualifications they needed to enter careers before they make crucial A-level choices.
Eddie Teare MHK, Minister for Education and Children, visited the event and said: "I was impressed by the range of opportunities that are available to our young people today. When I was considering a career, many years ago, there were very few avenues available on the Isle of Man and most of my contemporaries had to leave the Island.
"I would like to thank everybody involved in the event as I appreciate it is a major commitment and I would also like to thank the event’s supporter, Energy FM, which broadcast live."
The DED's Jobcentre, Careers Guidance Service, Disability Employment Service and Training Services team were on hand to provide tailored advice and options.
