Manx Lottery Trust is supporting charity Junior Achievement Isle of Man as it prepares to introduce two new programmes.
Both are designed to equip secondary school students with the skills, confidence and aspirations they need for the future world of work.
A £7,500 grant from the Trust’s Dormant Assets Fund will support a dedicated volunteer recruitment and training campaign, helping Junior Achievement attract, train and support more than 100 volunteers from businesses, organisations and the wider community.
Junior Achievement say the volunteers will play an important role in delivering the new programmes across the island during the next academic year. By sharing their workplace knowledge and experience, they will help bring learning to life, improve students’ confidence and broaden their understanding of the career opportunities available in the island.
The project will include volunteer promotion, safeguarding, training workshops, programme resources and ongoing support throughout the school year.
Approximately 2,000 secondary school students are expected to benefit from the new programmes, developing valuable employability skills including communication, teamwork, problem-solving and resilience.
The initiative will also help strengthen links between education and employers, giving young people a clearer understanding of local career pathways and future opportunities.
Sue Cook, chief executive of Junior Achievement Isle of Man, said: ‘We are incredibly grateful to Manx Lottery Trust for supporting this important campaign.
‘Volunteers are at the heart of what we do, bringing invaluable real-world experience into the classroom and helping young people recognise their own potential.
‘As we prepare to introduce two new programmes, this funding will allow us to build a strong and sustainable volunteer network, ensuring our volunteers feel confident, well prepared and supported throughout their time with us. Their involvement will make a genuine difference to thousands of young people across the island.’
Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust David Christian said: ‘Junior Achievement has an impressive record of helping young people develop the practical skills and confidence they need as they begin thinking about their futures.
‘The connection between schools and the workplace is extremely valuable, and volunteers play a vital role in making that possible. We are pleased to award this grant and support Junior Achievement in building the volunteer network needed to deliver its new programmes successfully.’
The Dormant Assets Fund uses money from financial assets that have remained untouched and whose owners cannot be traced.
The funding is made available for charitable purposes while protecting the original owner’s right to reclaim their money.
Manx Lottery Trust manages the distribution of Dormant Assets funding to eligible organisations delivering projects that create positive and lasting benefits for the Manx community.
The trust works in collaboration with The National Lottery Community Fund to distribute vital National Lottery funding to good causes in the Isle of Man.
Since 2010, thanks to National Lottery players, it has awarded more than £4.2 million to local community projects.