Summer Internship Programme matches over 100 Manx students with local businesses

The Summer Internship Programme led by Business Isle of Man, an Executive Agency of the Department for Enterprise, has matched over 100 Manx students with businesses across the Isle of Man.

The programme for individuals aged 18 -25 was one of the first initiatives to be supported under the £100m Economic Recovery Fund that was announced by Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK in his budget update to July’s Tynwald.

The internship programme provided full wage support at a weekly rate of £256 per week for businesses, third sector and other organisations. Organisations were matched with young people and students who are looking to gain real world work experience, build their CV and develop interpersonal skills.

Overall the programme received 259 student applications and 112 business hosts seeking support with 161 projects.

Minister for Enterprise, Laurence Skelly MHK, commented:

‘I’m thoroughly delighted with the success of the departments Summer Internship Programme. As a government, we stand ready to invest in our economy, in our people, in our Island and in our future, of which this initiative is a prime example of this in action. The programme has not only provided direct opportunities for over 100 young people to improve their employability and skills for the future, but has supported local businesses with much needed resource to help with specific projects or coronavirus recovery work.’

Nick Venables, Intern at Island Escapes said:

‘I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work with Island Escapes as a Property and Marketing Assistant. Graduating from university this summer, the scheme has enabled me to refine my skills in a real-life environment of my chosen field, alongside helping me to develop personal characteristics, such as confidence in customer relations and self-efficiency. In particular, I’m really pleased to have helped Island Escapes to develop an email marketing strategy as part of my internship which will act as a key feature of their communications moving forward as it enables the business to build their database and stakeholder engagement.

‘Overall, I’ve found the programme greatly beneficial and anticipate it has made me a more competitive candidate in a challenging climate, which will no doubt prove to be beneficial in the future.’

The programme is now closed to new applications from individuals and business hosts, with final work underway by the agency to match as many outstanding compatible applications received before the deadline.