A group of 18 year old students graduated from the Career Ready (Isle of Man) programme on Wednesday 17 August. The ceremony took place in the library at Castle Rushen High School. Students attended from Ramsey Grammar School and Castle Rushen High School to be presented with their certificates by guest of honour Mr Graham Cregeen, MHK. Mr Cregeen has consistently and enthusiastically supported Career Ready IOM since its inception in 2014.
The Career Ready programme equips able 16-18 year olds on the Isle of Man with the experience and skills they need to be ready to enter employment as they leave school or college (sometimes via higher education). The current focus, supported by the Department of Economic Development and the Department of Education and Children, is on developing career readiness in the IT sector, which now directly engages with 25% of the Island’s economy according to Kurt Roosen, CEO of the Manx ICT Association.
Mathew Ward, one of the CRHS graduates who has already secured employment with Complete Technology of Onchan said, 'The Career Ready programme helped me to develop my confidence and networking skills to the point where I was able to follow my plan to work in the IT sector as soon as the opportunity arose. Joining my current company was the best decision I have ever made!'
Graham Cregeen MHK, said, 'I want to thank all the volunteers who had the vision to start this programme and to see it through at just the right time for the Island’s young people and the business community. Without them these opportunities would not have emerged. It is clear that the Career Ready programme is well placed to enhance the skills of our young workforce and to meet the needs of our employers.'
Continuing the programme, current 17 year old students are now taking part in their paid summer internships and the next cohort of students will be recruited in September from all 16+ educational organisations in the Isle of Man. Expressions of interest from parents, students and schools/colleges should be made via email to Jo Davies, Career Ready Coordinator at cready.im@gmail.com.
Career Ready Graduates, left to right:
Jessica Swales, James Holmes, Killian Comerford, Duilleann Haywood, Jess Ward, Josh Lowe, Matthew Ward.
Top image: Jessica Swales receiving her Career Ready graduation certificate from Graham Cregeen, MHK
