Commercial pilot, builder, reporter, lawyer, fisherman - there'll be a diverse range of careers on show at a major exhibition at the Villa Marina later this month.

The Departments of Education and Trade and Industry are joining forces to stage Careers 2010, the Island’s biggest annual showcase of employment, training and education opportunities, on Thursday 25th March.

Forty six organisations will take part in the event, representing public, professional and financial services, the retail, hospitality and leisure trades, the media, the pharmaceutical industry, construction, ICT, the Church, the armed forces, transport, fishing and recruitment.

Opportunities to work overseas and courses on offer at the Isle of Man College and at the International Business School will also feature.
 
The engineering and manufacturing sector, which employs 2,500 people across 52 companies locally, will have its usual, strong presence with a display detailing how locally designed and made products are at the forefront globally in areas such as aerospace, space, petro-chemicals and optics.

Throughout the day, the engineering/manufacturing and ICT sectors will stage 20-minute presentations in the Broadway Cinema.

The Department of Trade and Industry will have its own stands, with representatives from the Job Centre, Training Services and the Small Business Start-up team present.

Advisers from the Department of Education’s Careers Guidance Service will be on hand to give advice and anyone uncertain of their future direction can try out a computerised programme that matches skills and interests to employment routes.

Nearly 1,000 students from all five secondary schools, as well as students from the Isle of Man College, will be attending the event to learn about the opportunities available to them.

Parents are encouraged to return with their children in the evening to discuss career, training and education opportunities in more depth when the event is less crowded.

The general public is also welcome to attend, whether looking for a first step onto the jobs ladder or considering a career change.

Education Minister Anne Craine MHK said the annual event was more important than ever during these more difficult economically times: "During this time of tightening our belts, employers are keener than ever to see that those they recruit will have the right attitude and qualifications for the career path they are offering. 

"It is therefore important that people seeking employment, whether they be first-time recruits, those currently unemployed or those who are looking for a change, present themselves armed with an insight into the work they are applying for.

"What better way to learn about those job opportunities than to talk first hand to those people who are the experts. 

"At Careers 2010 we have a host of people, from all different walks of life, to tell you what the job is really like and what qualifications you need to get there.

"I would like to acknowledge our gratitude to those employers who are supporting Careers 2010 and giving their time to man the stands to offer people the benefit of their advice and experience.  It is valuable to us all and it is events like this that keep the wheels of our economy moving forward in the Isle of Man.’

Trade and Industry Minister David Cretney MHK said, "Careers 2010 provides an opportunity for us to showcase the range of employment opportunities available on the Island.

"The range of employers represented at this event allow visitors to find out more about the sector they may be interested in as well as raising the awareness of opportunities in other economic sectors they may not have considered.

"Whether you are from secondary school and thinking about your first job or an adult looking for a new career, there are plenty of opportunities for you to explore at the Villa Marina.

"The current global economic situation has led to a more challenging labour market than we have seen for many years.  It is even more important, therefore, that we provide our young people with the best information and guidance to help them make informed choices about their chosen education and career path.

"If the Island is to continue to flourish, it is vital that we have access to a skilled and flexible workforce, capable of contributing to the economy while fulfilling their own career aspirations.

"I hope as many people as possible take advantage of Careers 2010 to explore the opportunities that the Island has to offer."

Careers 2010, which is supported by Energy FM, is open from 9am-7pm and all are welcome.  Admission is free and a complimentary programme is available at the door.