Review of training system will reduce skills gap, business lobby says

The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce said increasing funding for two programs designed to help train new workers would “reduce the skills gap”.

Apprenticeship and vocational training support schemes are designed to support recruitment for local businesses.

The changes would increase payments to those involved and provide additional incentives for training in areas of “national importance”.

The overhauled program is scheduled to begin on April 1st.

The scheme is run by the Department of Education, the Chamber of Commerce, the Isle of Man University and the Isle of Man Skills Commission.

Enhanced support through the Vocational Training Support Scheme will allow employers to claim up to 60% of an individual’s training costs, including course fees and exam fees, if the job is in a sector deemed to be ‘national’. Importance”.

The maximum amount that businesses can claim in a 12-month period is still capped at £15,000, but this percentage increase is double the previous amount allowed for all sectors under the old rules. .

The changes will also increase the amount of maintenance fees that people enrolled in vocational programs can claim each year from £1,500 to £2,500.

Similarly, payments for apprentices will be increased, discretionary maintenance allowances will be provided in certain circumstances, and “incentives” will be provided to small and medium-sized enterprises in designated sectors of “national importance”.

Chambers chief executive Rebecca George said narrowing the skills gap was “crucial to the growth and diversification” of the economy.

She added that these schemes provide “vital support for people who are starting their careers, or those who are already working and want to gain industry-recognized qualifications”.

The Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture announced that it is currently supporting around 550 apprentices in a wide range of fields, from construction to agriculture.

The university’s principal, Jessamyn Kelly, said the updated system would enable institutions to “deliver education where the economy needs it most” and ensure qualifications were “academically rigorous”. said.

Why not follow BBC Isle of Man? Facebook and X? You can also submit your story ideas below IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk