Educationalists, politicians, public sector personnel, industry leaders and those working in the charity sector are invited to register for a place at the second Employability conference.
The event will build on the success of the first gathering, held in October 2012, in exploring ways to assist young people into employment and bridge the gap between school and the workplace – something that’s becoming ever more important in challenging economic times.
The conference will be held on Wednesday 2 April, 8am to 2pm, at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club. Santon. Priority will be given to delegates who attend the inaugural event. The remainder of the 160 places will then be released to new attendees.
The initiative is led by the Employability Working Group, which comprises representatives of the Departments of Education and Children and Economic Development and business and voluntary organisations.
From the inaugural gathering, the working group identified three priorities: communicating job-related information digitally; involving employers more directly in careers education and enhancing work experience opportunities. Sub-committees are developing these areas and will update the conference and seek fresh input and ideas.
Annette Baker, Deputy Headteacher of Ballakermeen High School and chairman of the working group, said:
‘This second gathering will allow educationalists, industry and charity executives and political members and officials of the Isle of Man Government to gain updates on the work our group has done since the first conference and to suggest initiatives that will further benefit young people moving from study to work.’
It was announced in November that home-grown blues star Davy Knowles would be the keynote speaker at the event. Davy, who hails from Port St Mary and went to Castle Rushen High School, has found fame as one of the world’s most highly acclaimed young blues artists. His appearance will be a highlight of Island of Culture 2014 and is being supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council.
The conference title, ‘Reach Higher’ (the name of Davy’s anthem, commissioned by the Arts Council, for the 2011 Commonwealth Games) reflects the message conference organisers wish to send to young people stepping onto the career ladder for the first time.
The impressive line-up of speakers will also include Professor Tony Watts CBE, an international consultant on careers development who is a founding fellow of the National Institute for Careers Education and Counselling, and John Loughton, winner of TV’s first ‘Big Brother Celebrity Hijack’ and the founder and CEO of Dare2Lead, who was special guest at Employment & Skills 2013 at the Villa Marina in November.
Returning for a second time are Kieran Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of Greater Merseyside Connexions, one of the UK’s leading career guidance organisations, and Doug Strycharczyk, Managing Director of AQR Business Consultants.
Mrs Baker said:
‘We are delighted to welcome such leading specialists to the conference and look forward to continuing the momentum in an area that’s so important for the future of our young people and our economy.’
To request a place at the conference, email cpdbookings@doe.sch.im (stating your name, title, organisation, a contact email address and whether a returning or new delegate). Places will be confirmed and joining instructions will be issued once the deadline for bookings has passed on Monday 10 March.
For more information about the Employability Working Group or the conference, contact Mrs Baker on +44 1624 648700 or via email at a.baker@bhs.sch.im.
