'No one is offering young people an opportunity', says event organiser
Further calls for better apprenticeship support have been heard at a Construction Skills Conference held on the Island.
Last month Construction Isle of Man called for a full review of changes to the way apprenticeships are funded on the Isle of Man.
An event, dubbed an 'emergency conference', was held at the Comis Hotel on Friday, 22 August to allow professionals and aspiring apprentices to discuss the challenges facing the industry.
"Young people are approaching 40 different companies and no one is offering them an opportunity."
Rosie Manuja, a quantity surveyor on the Island, organised the conference:
Alex Burnett is the Managing Director at Cedar Development Ltd.
He told Manx Radio he feels sorry for the younger generation who're trying to enter the industry:
Claire Parsons' son recently got his GCSE results and is looking to become an electrician.
Whilst he's got a conditional place at University College Isle of Man, he's struggled to find the necessary apprenticeship role.
Claire told Manx Radio what impact the situation is having on her son:
The Department of Education, Sport and Culture recently told Manx Radio: "The Isle of Man Government remains fully committed to supporting apprenticeships as a valuable route into skilled employment for young people and a vital tool to help businesses develop the Island’s future workforce.
"We recognise the construction industry’s essential role in our national infrastructure and economic development, and we are mindful of the wider challenges currently faced by the sector.
"Following a full review, a number of changes were introduced to the Apprenticeship scheme in April 2024.
"Before highlighting the key changes included, it is important to note that the Department of Education, Sport and Culture continues to fully fund training and assessment for eligible apprentices irrespective of the size of the employer.
"Key changes include:
- A 50% increase in incentive payments to employers who have fewer than 10 employees
- However, the incentive payment for employers with more than 10 employees has been removed
- Standardised support across all trades, recognising progression
- Clarification within the scheme regarding paid release for the apprentice to be at the same rate as the employee’s normal rate
"With over 240 applications already received in the last year, it would seem the scheme is as popular as ever.
"Since the revisions to the apprenticeship scheme, 35 new businesses have opted to participate who had not done so before, demonstrating that apprenticeships remain a strong, practical option for young people.
"As students receive their results this summer, we encourage them to consider this fully funded route into skilled, meaningful work—benefiting both themselves and the Manx economy.
"We remain open to continued dialogue with the construction sector to ensure the scheme remains fit for purpose in a changing labour market."
Manx Radio has approached the Department of Education, Sport and Culture with an invitation for interview regarding this story.
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