Carrie Yates is going to be playing a vital role in this year’s work experience programme.

She has joined the employed.im team which liaises with schools and employers on work placements.

employed.im is now in its third yearof running the work experience programme in conjunction with the island’s government.

Proud to have worked with nearly 400 employers across the island during 2017, employed.im is now looking to grow their employer community even further, so that they can offer students an even wider variety of placement choices.

Carrie works alongside Lorna Trevethan as work experience co-ordinator, and is now a key contact for connecting employers with education in the Isle of Man.

Stepping into the role, Carrie is already building strong relationships across businesses.

She said: ’It’s been great to meet so many new people and professionals who are equally passionate in supporting the development of young adults.

’It’s encouraging to see the difference the work experience placements make to students understanding of the workplace and see them come away inspired for their future career paths.’

The 2018 programme involves employed.im seeking employers to host Year 10 students.

Typically, work experience placements span one or two weeks within a business, allowing employers the opportunity to get to know their students and their capabilities throughout their placement.

During 2018, it is expectedthere will be more than 800 students from the five secondary schools taking part.

That means employed.im must source more than 1,200 placements with employers to provide a broad selection accommodating students’ interests, and to split their placements over the first and second weeks.

Aspokesman for employed.im said employers already offering work experience, or thinking about doing so, will be supporting young people and helping to shape the island’s future workforce.

He said: ’It is a great opportunity for employers to provide an insight into the real world of work and into career paths that are available in a particular sector.

’Students can often bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to your organisation, and provide full time employees with the opportunity to develop their supervisory and management skills - meaning employers can benefit as much from the placement as the student.’

Annette Pinhorn, tiered award lead at Crossroads Care said: ’I believe work experience is an ideal learning experience for a young person, it can kick-start a career.

’It is really rewarding to see our visiting students gain courage and confidence during their time with us.

’It is also a great opportunity for our staff to mentor and lead others, passing on their knowledge and the value of their experience.

’I also believe that work experience raises the profile of Crossroads Care, as we are not only giving this one working experience but are also hoping to find future employees and volunteers via the Work Experience Scheme.’

How to get involved

Could you consider opening your doors for young adults across the Island? Get in touch with Carrie Yates at [email protected] or call 664000 for more information.

Carrie Yates

Work experience can open up opportunities