Responding to the economic needs of the island following the Covid-19 pandemic, University College Isle of Man (UCM) has created a series of new courses and initiatives.

These are developed to help people to adapt to new challenges and progress in their careers.

UCM principal Jo Pretty said: ’The pandemic has impacted on numerous businesses and individuals in the island. Education and training are key tools which can support the Isle of Man’s economic stability during these times by helping to develop the appropriate skills required to support local businesses, which, at the same time, can transform people’s lives by assisting them to achieve their job aspirations.’

UCM is recruiting more sessional lecturers and staff on fixed-term contracts.

One of the target groups are adult learners who, as a result of the pandemic, are now considering changing jobs.

UCM has developed a series of short courses, known as Futures, which start at different times in the year and are aimed at providing learners with skills and knowledge to progress in the hospitality and catering, health and social care and digital sectors, among others.

For adults who do not have the relevant qualifications/UCAS points to progress into higher education, UCM is offering two ’access to higher education’ courses in science and humanities subjects. Upon successful completion of these courses, learners can progress to higher education or benefit from a wider range of employment opportunities.

UCM is also expanding their range of apprenticeships and higher education programmes. For example, the cognitive behaviour therapy degree programme, which is specifically for those in the healthcare profession, with a particular interest in counselling and psychotherapy is scheduled to start in January.

Minister for Education Dr Alex Allinson added: ’I am grateful to the staff and lecturers at UCM for stepping up to the challenge of upskilling and reskilling our people in response to the economic disruption of the viral pandemic.’

In addition, UCM is also offering funded places on selected further education courses. It says they will be especially beneficial for those who have changes in circumstances arising from the pandemic.

Widening participation workshops will also be introduced, to encourage students from a broader range of socio-economic backgrounds into education, in particular helping them to raise self-esteem and confidence through engagement with learning.

To support those wanting to improve their level of literary and numeracy, UCM is offering funded places for adult English and maths programmes.

For more information, please contact 648200 or visit www.ucm.ac.im