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Vocational Training Assistance Scheme

Welcome to the Vocational Training Homepage

All of our latest news can be found in the Vocational Training Assistance Scheme Message Bulletin below and more detailed information regarding all aspects of the scheme can be found in our Downloadable documents.

You can contact us by email at training@gov.im however please note that we deal with all queries in order of receipt.

You can send correspondence or visit us at:

The Training Services Team

Department of Education Sport and Culture

University College Isle of Man

Homefield Road

Douglas

Isle of Man

IM2 6RB

Telephone:+44 1624 682379

Email:Send Email

VTAS Message Bulletin

Revamped vocational schemes to benefit people, employers and economy (9 February, 2024)

Two vocational support schemes have been significantly updated to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career.

The Apprenticeship and Vocational Training Assistance (VTA) schemes both support local businesses to develop a future ready workforce for the Isle of Man.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture′s (DESC) has worked alongside the Chamber of Commerce, University College Isle of Man (UCM) and Isle of Man Skills Board to revamp the schemes which will go live on 1 April 2024. Both will offer greater financial help for both people seeking training and employers.

They will give greater flexibility for sectors determined to be important in supporting the Island Plan′s commitment to a ′strong and diverse economy′ and allow targeted supported for those experiencing additional challenges when seeking and sustaining employment.

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

'The revamped schemes should have a positive impact on individuals, businesses and the wider economy by providing access to opportunity for aspiring applicants.'

Rebecca George, Chief Executive of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce added:

′Taking action to reduce skills gaps and ensure appropriate skills in the workforce is critical to the growth and diversification of the Manx economy.

′These two schemes offer vital support for people who are starting their careers and those who are already working and wish to gain industry-recognised qualifications and will, by nurturing talent, make the Island a vibrant place where people choose to live and work.′

The DESC is currently supporting around 550 people with apprenticeships, which involve learning on the job and undertaking supportive studies when necessary. This includes a wide range of sectors from construction to farming.

Jesamine Kelly, Principal of UCM said:

′The update will better enable UCM to target its provision where the economy most needs it, whilst simultaneously ensuring that the qualifications for which people study are academically rigorous.

′The more targeted support for ′learning while you earn′ approaches will strengthen the Island workforce and enable meaningful opportunities for learning.′

Application forms and further information for VTAS can be found in the downloadable documents on this page.

Alternatively, application forms and further information for Apprenticeships can be found on the Apprenticeships page.

Or by emailing the Training Services team on training@gov.im.

Gas and OFTEC training to be provided on Isle of Man (5 February, 2024)

Engineers will be able to keep up-to-date with industry required gas, OFTEC and unvented hot water training and accreditation on the Isle of Man starting in the Spring.

It comes after the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) appointed Energy Development Services (EDS) Limited to deliver a range of courses on a two year contract.

The company specialises in the training and assessment areas of various fuel sectors, including both domestic and commercial gas, OFTEC oil, electrics and water.

The courses will be delivered at University College Isle of Man (UCM), with a recently updated onsite facility used for assessments.

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

′I am delighted that local people will once again be able to receive this essential training on the Isle of Man. Providing lifelong learning opportunities is an essential part of the Island Plan and this arrangement will help local engineers within this highly regulated and specialist area.′

Anyone looking to find out more can email Team@energydevelopmentservice.com, or calling EDS on +44 1793 840055. Once initial interest levels have been determined a full list of training courses and dates will be published on the DESC Training Services website.

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