Responding to the economic needs of the Isle of Man following the pandemic, University College Isle of Man (UCM), working closely with the Department for Enterprise, has created a series of new courses and initiatives, that are aimed at providing training and support for targeted sectors on the Island.
These new courses are developed to create opportunities for different groups of learners to adapt to new challenges and progress in their careers.
(Mrs.) Jo Pretty, Principal of UCM explained, “The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on numerous businesses and individuals on the Island. Education and training are key tools which can support the Isle of Man’s economic stability during these times, by helping to develop the appropriate skills required to support local businesses, which, at the same time, can transform people’s lives by assisting them to achieve their job aspirations.”
UCM is currently recruiting more sessional lecturers and staff on fixed term contracts to complement the existing team in providing these new opportunities for our community.
One of the target groups identified are adult learners (18+) who, as a result of the pandemic are now reflecting on their career opportunities, and are considering reskilling or upskilling. UCM has developed a series of short courses, known as Futures, which starting at different times in the year, and are aimed at providing learners with skills and knowledge to progress in the hospitality & catering, health & social care and digital sectors, amongst others.
For adults who do not have the relevant qualifications/UCAS points to progress into higher education, UCM is offering two new intensive Access to Higher Education courses in Science and Humanities subjects. Upon successful completion of these courses, learners are able to progress to higher education or benefit from a wider range of employment opportunities.
UCM is also expanding their range of apprenticeships and higher education programmes. For example, the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy degree programme, which is specifically for those in the healthcare profession, with a particular interest in counselling and psychotherapy, is scheduled to start in January of next year.
Minister for Education, Dr Alex Allinson said, “I am grateful to the staff and lecturers at UCM for stepping up to the challenge of upskilling and reskilling our people in response to the economic disruption of the viral pandemic.”
In addition to the courses explained above, UCM is also offering funded places on selected further education courses. This will be especially beneficial for those who have changes in circumstances arising from the pandemic.
Widening participation workshops will also be introduced, to encourage students from a broader range of socio-economic backgrounds into education, in particular helping them to raise self-esteem and confidence through engagement with learning.
To support those wanting to improve their level of literary and numeracy, UCM is offering funded places for adult English and Maths programmes.
UCM is also introducing innovative learning models through pre-apprenticeship schemes and a new Learning Company. Working closely with an industry partner, UCM will offer a group of Manx graduates a unique opportunity to take on the role of ‘Digital Learning Designers’ in the Learning Company. In this 30-week funded project, they will be required to apply the skills and knowledge that they have acquired during their degree studies, to help rethink how education is currently delivered, by developing on-line learning content that is challenging, engaging and fun.
For more information, please contact 648200 or please see here.