Government responds to business concerns over skills shortage

Debate continues on balance between university degrees and apprenticeships for young workers

Following the recent publication of the 2024 Business Environment and Conditions Survey, which highlighted significant challenges in recruitment and skills shortages among Isle of Man businesses, two key figures have offered their perspectives on the issues raised.

Education, Sport and Culture Minister Daphne Caine has responded to concerns raised in the survey regarding young people's skills, particularly in the areas of interpersonal and life skills.

While the survey found that over 80 percent of businesses believe young people lack at least one of these essential skills, Minister Caine believes the root of the issue lies in the Island's low unemployment rate.

At just 0.7 percent in April, the unemployment figure is extremely low in comparison to neighbouring jurisdictions, which Mrs Caine argues this may explain why employers are struggling to attract applicants, particularly from school leavers.

Mrs Caine insists while the pool of jobseekers may be small, all students on the Island receive career advice and work experience, giving them valuable insight into their potential career paths.

She believes the Island's education system is equipping students well, noting that the students she meets are well-informed and articulate.

However, she stresses the importance of avoiding ‘sweeping statements’ about the system, while acknowledging that it will continue to evolve to ensure young people are prepared for future employment.

“Businesses and the education system both need to evolve,” she said, reiterating that the Isle of Man’s Skills Board is dedicated to ensuring that the education system prepares people for “great jobs” on the Island.

On the other hand, Captain Lee Clarke-Vorster, the general manager at Isle of Man Maritime, and a passionate advocate for apprenticeships, sees the apprenticeship route as a crucial solution to the skills gap highlighted in the survey.

Captain Clarke-Vorster, who began his career with an apprenticeship before going on to achieve a university degree, believes apprenticeships offer a faster and more effective way to acquire the skills needed for the workforce.

“Both university degrees and apprenticeships should be valued equally,” he said. “Apprenticeships place individuals in real work environments, providing hands-on experience that allows them to learn and develop the practical skills employers are seeking.”

Captain Clarke-Vorster also expressed concern about the lack of apprenticeship opportunities on the Isle of Man compared to those available off-Island, warning if the Island wants to retain its young people and ensure they are equipped for the workforce, it must provide better apprenticeship schemes alongside university opportunities.