A careers event taking place next month is providing a showcase for opportunities within the Island's Engineering and Manufacturing sectors.

The conference, being held at Isle of Man College, is the result of a proactive collaboration between leading sector figures and the Departments of Education, and Trade and Industry.

The Manufacturing and Technical Industries Committee (MTIC), which represents roughly 2,500 employees, has in recent years seen a decrease in the number of local people employed within the sectors.

This was attributed to a lack of interest and appropriate skills.

A subsequent review discovered that companies have fewest employees from the Under 20 and 21-30 age brackets, a situation which, if it continues, could threaten the long-term health of the industries.

The DTI consequently launched an initiative, supported by the MTIC, through which voluntary Sector Skills Groups were created, linking the public and private sectors, to address the situation.

The Engineering Sector Skills Group (ESSG), created in 2006, has representatives from the DTI,  the MTIC, Isle of Man College, secondary and primary school heads, and the Careers Service.

The focus of the ESSG is on changing perceptions of the sector, in order to re-awaken people's interest in engineering as offering rewarding and satisfying careers.

One of the key moves of the ESSG has been the launch (in February 2009) of the Awareness in Careers in Engineering (ACE) Project, which is designed to promote and raise awareness of Engineering and Manufacturing, both as a significant driver of the Island's economy and the source of challenging long-term careers.

The Engineering and Manufacturing Sector Careers Event takes place at the Isle of Man College (Douglas) on Tuesday 3rd November from 9am to 8pm.  Admission is free.

For more information, call Adrian Harrison on 498769 or email cloud-nine@manx.net