A new initiative which aims to help students to get a foot in the door at the workplace has been launched on the Isle of Man.

The WorkReady Partnership, unveiled by University College Isle of Man (UCM), is a free accreditation scheme that recognises businesses providing quality work placements while helping students gain valuable experience.

UCM says the initiative, which was officially launched at its Bridging the Skills Gap employers event recently, will attempt to strengthen its relationship with employers while simultaneously improving students’ employment prospects.

Under the scheme, organisations which provide high-quality placements can receive UCM’s WorkReady Partner accreditation, which recognises their commitment to developing workplace skills and supporting future employees.

Bosses at University College Isle of Man say participating employers who sign up to the scheme will benefit from access to potential new recruits while building relationships that could help reduce its future recruitment costs.

The college believes the accreditation could also enhance businesses’ reputations by demonstrating their commitment to supporting education and the wider island community.

Students who complete placements will receive a WorkReady Completion badge, which they can include on their CVs and LinkedIn profiles as part of their to demonstrate their workplace experience.

The initiative forms part of UCM’s wider efforts to improve employability, strengthen relationships with employers and develop more opportunities for students.

Work placements are already an established part of studying at UCM, with students undertaking practical experience and other work-based activities.

Some placements are compulsory elements of their qualifications, while others provide opportunities to experience working environments and develop skills outside the classroom.

The college says these experiences provide a link between education and employment, helping students prepare for working life.

The WorkReady Partnership is intended to recognise the organisations providing those opportunities while giving students a way to demonstrate what they have achieved.

In a statement, a spokesperson for UCM described the accreditation as a ‘badge of honour’ for both employers and students while businesses recruiting staff will be able to identify applicants who have completed work placements through the scheme.

As part of the programme, accredited employers who sign-up will also be invited to participate in some of UCM’s key events, including careers fairs, awards ceremonies and guest lectures.

The scheme is the latest new development announced at the college.

Earlier this month, UCM confirmed it was introducing a new qualification in Uniformed Protective Services.

Equivalent to three A-Levels, the course is designed to boost opportunities for students in working for the likes of the police force, fire and rescue services, the armed forces, prison service and other uniformed and protective service roles.

The new BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate course replaces UCM’s previous psychology offering.

Employers interested in joining the free WorkReady Partnership can find further information at www.ucm.ac.im/workready.

UCM will also be hosting an open evening on Thursday, November 19.