University student Libby Duggan has been helping Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce as part of a government internship scheme.

Ms Duggan, who is a second year psychology student studying at Liverpool University, was taken on as a temporary member of the business organisation’s team.

The scheme provides work-based placements for young people aged between 18 to 25 to gain experience, and supports organisations by providing additional resources during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ms Duggan co-ordinated a ’skills gap mapping project’, which involved attending meetings with the organisation’s sector committees and sector leads.

A spokesman said her work will make a significant contribution to the Chamber project which is part of a broader initiative that aims to allow industry and education to align training provision for the needs of the island over the next five years, and assist in the post-pandemic economic recovery.

The final report she has created will be used by the organisation’s skills group to discuss and develop future initiatives in the island.

She said: ’I enjoyed working with the team at Chamber in completing this project.

’It allowed me to develop skills in conducting research, but also provided valuable work experience that will aid me in embarking on my career following my studies. I am grateful for this opportunity and thank Chamber for the experience.’

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Chamber chief executive Rebecca George said: ’We are delighted to have taken part in the Department for Enterprise internship programme which is providing valuable additional resources thanks to the work of very talented young people.

’Libby was an excellent addition to our team and we were pleased to be able to support the programme.

’She made a valuable contribution to the completion of our skills gap mapping project.

’I have no hesitation in recommending the internship programme to both businesses and young people. Chamber will certainly utilise the scheme again.’

Minister for Enterprise, Laurence Skelly MHK, said: ’I’m delighted to hear what an important and valuable contribution Libby has made to the Chamber during her time there.

’Internships are proven to deliver huge benefits, both for the individual and the business involved.

’The internship programme was an initiative directly introduced as a result of the Economic Recovery Fund; formed to stimulate growth and protect jobs as part of the Isle of Man’s financial fightback from coronavirus.

’Since its launch, the programme has provided direct opportunities for more than 100 young people to improve their employability and skills for the future, while also supporting local businesses with additional resource to help with specific projects or coronavirus recovery work.

’The 2021 programme will be launching imminently, and I encourage any young people, individuals looking to change careers and businesses, to express their interest in applying.’

Lorna Trevethan, chairman of Chamber’s Skills Group, said: ’Libby was a pleasure to work with and did an excellent job in pulling together a report that is going to help Chamber to work with Government to ensure that the island’s workforce has the right skills to support our local economy.’

The 2021 programme will be launched soon - but expressions of interest are already open here: businessisleofman.com/initiatives/internships/