Douglas Council is to introduce an apprenticeship scheme to offer on the job training to people wanting to learn a new skill or trade.
Councillors have approved a proposal to reintroduce the schemes in the next financial year which starts in April.
The plan is to employ at least one apprentice in each of five areas, namely, trainee electrician, plumber, joiner, mechanic and gardener.
Apprentices should remain employed by the council for as long as is required for them to achieve a qualification in their chosen field and although there will be no guarantee of work at the end of the period, if there is a suitable vacancy an apprentice would then be contracted to work for the council for a minimum of two years.
Councillors were told apprenticeships would be provided in conjunction with an educational establishment such as the Isle of Man College and were open to people over 16, including adults, allowing them to earn a wage while at the same time being trained in a proper job.
Apprentice gardeners would be trained on the job but this would be overseen by an assessor from Myerscough College in Lancashire who would visit to assess trainees’ progress every four to six weeks.
Benefits to the council would include cost savings in recruiting and appointing staff as using an apprentice could be more cost effective than hiring skilled staff. The cost of hiring an apprentice would be dictated by the level of salary paid but councillors noted there would be financial help available from the government. Councillors were told the Department of Economic development had confirmed the council would be eligible to receive funding.
The council’s assistant chief officer for human resources is to provide an update on progress six months after the start of any apprenticeships.