Sixth form students, business mentors, Government partners and interested students gathered at the Manx ICT Association’s offices at The Forum in Douglas recently to celebrate a successful first year for the IT Career Academy.
The Academy is an initiative that has been backed by the Department of Economic Development and Department of Education and Children. Students from Castle Rushen High School, QE2 High School and Ramsey Grammar School have enhanced their A Level Computing study with Career Academy membership.
This has already provided them with a visit to LinkedIn’s HQ in London, masterclasses from sector experts within their A Level lessons and regular support from business mentors in their place of work.
It was also announced at the event that the Isle of Man’s IT Career Academy programme is also changing its name to ‘Career Ready, IOM’ in line with its parent organisation based in London. The approach has been so successful that the whole charitable organisation is developing to embrace a wider student intake.
Graham Cregeen MHK, the political Member with responsibility for Employment and Skills in the Department of Economic Development commented:
‘The Academy provides a great opportunity for the students to rapidly develop their employability skills and experience, which will be key to their success when making job applications.
‘It is vital that we can provide a workforce with the relevant IT skills. Government’s Vision2020 strategy forecast that our economy is expected to grow further over the next few years driven by the creation of hundreds of new jobs to work in the e-Business sector, which is expected to represent around a quarter of our economy by 2020.’
Academy students will soon be going out on paid internships during the Summer holidays. This part of the programme is unique because it provides an extended opportunity for employers to use the developing IT skills of students to complete or support a piece of work. They also have the opportunity to see the students in the workplace and assess their readiness to enter the sector.
Jessica Swales, Student Member of the IT Academy Board commented:
‘When I started this programme I was really shy and I would never have believed that I could stand up here and talk confidently to all of you this evening. I would strongly recommend Career Ready to Year 11 students who are considering it because it can dramatically improve your employability level whilst supporting your A level success.’
Graham Kinrade, Coordinating Adviser ICT, Department of Education and Children said:
‘The Department of Education and Children are very pleased to be involved in this exciting initiative that aims to support students wishing to enter the rapidly growing IT Sector on the Island. It is excellent to see such positive engagement and we look forward to witnessing the continued success of the Academy.'
