Training schemes overhaul will reduce skills gap, business lobby says

Increased grants for two programmes designed to help train new workers will "reduce the skills gap", the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce has said.

The Apprenticeship and Vocational Training Assistance Scheme aim to support local business recruitment.

The changes will see increased payments to those involved, with additional incentives for training to be given in sectors of "national importance".

The overhauled programmes are due to begin from 1 April.

The schemes are run by the education department, alongside the Chamber of Commerce, University College Isle of Man, and the Isle of Man Skills Board.

Under the increased support offer through the Vocational Training Assistance Scheme, employers will be able to claim up to 60% of the cost of training the individual, including course costs and exam fees, if the job was in a sector deemed to be of "national importance".

While the maximum that can be claimed by firms over a 12-month period remains capped at £15,000, that percentage rise represents a doubling of the previous applications allowed for any sector under the old rules.

The changes will also see the amount that can be claimed by those enrolling on the vocational programme to claim up to £2,500 in maintenance each year, up from £1,500.

Likewise, payments to those carrying out apprenticeships will increase, with discretionary maintenance payments awarded in certain circumstances, and "incentive payments" offered to small firms in designated areas of "national importance".

Chamber chief executive Rebecca George said reducing the skills gaps was "critical to the growth and diversification" of the economy.

The schemes offered "vital support for people who are starting their careers and those who are already working and wish to gain industry-recognised qualifications", she added.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture said was currently supporting about 550 people with apprenticeships, in a wide range of sectors from construction to farming.

College principal Jesamine Kelly said the updated schemes would "better enable" the educational institution to "target its provision where the economy most needs it" and ensure the qualifications were "academically rigorous".

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