PDMS through its employed.im service is co-ordinating the Digital Apprenticeship Scheme for the September 2019 intake.

PDMS previously helped to co-ordinate the scheme through the Manx ICT Association (MICTA).

Over the past three intakes, more than 25 apprentices were employed and started their careers in the island’s ICT sector, and PDMS are keen to build on this success.

Lorna Trevethan, PDMS general manager, Isle of Man Community Platforms, said:‘We are really proud to be co-ordinating this scheme and are pleased that the Digital Agency are lending their support.

‘We are keen to promote alternatives to the traditional academic routes and support the Isle of Man Government’s aim of growing the island’s economic population, especially in an industry that has a global skills shortage.

‘Apprenticeships are a great way for young people in particular to gain qualifications as well as the necessary work experience, all without getting into debt.’

Apprentices will study either the BTEC Level 3 Apprenticeship in IT course or BTEC HNC Level 4 Computing Apprenticeship course depending on their existing qualification level.

These courses will be studied on day release at UCM. PDMS will be adding in four networking/training events throughout 2019/20 to help support the apprentices’ industry knowledge and course training, and these events will be opened up to previous and current MICTA apprentices.

Lyle Wraxall, chief executive of the Digital Agency said: ‘We’re very pleased to support PDMS in delivering the latest Digital Apprenticeship Scheme, which is part of a larger skills initiative being run by the Department for Enterprise.

‘It’s vital as a government, that we address and remedy the skills shortages in these areas by encouraging and supporting the island’s younger population on their digital journey’

A key part of the coordination of the Digital Apprenticeship scheme is to engage local organisations, as there are real benefits for organisations in employing an apprentice.

Employers are able to help develop the technical skills that people need to work in a fast-changing sector, whilst supporting them in gaining their formal qualifications.

As with providing work experience, or internships, employing an apprentice also allows existing staff to develop their communication, coaching and training skills.

Digital Apprenticeships are not confined to IT companies, other organisations with large infrastructure or in-house development teams can also offer apprenticeships.

If you believe that your organisation could offer a Digital Apprenticeship, please get in touch with the team at employed.im on [email protected] or call 664000.

PDMS will be hosting an open evening for both prospective apprentices and organisations on Thursday, June 27 from 5.30 to 7pm at their Global House premises at the Isle of Man Business Park and all are welcome.

Registration for attendance is required, you can find the links for this on the website or Facebook page.

Applications for the Digital Apprenticeship Scheme are now open for anyone over the age of 16 (or have completed Year 11 at school) and will close on July 5. All applications must be completed through employed.im – https://my.employed.im/digitalapprenticeships2019

For further information about Apprenticeships please visit https://www.employed.im/digital-apprenticeship-scheme/ or give Lorna or Carrie a call on 664000.