TEN young people have begun 6-9 month skills training programmes with the Department of Infrastructure’s operations division.
The programmes are for 16 to 24-year-olds that are not currently in employment, education or training.
One trainee is learning how to maintain and service electromechanical equipment at the Douglas and Peel Bridges, the Marina Flap Gates and the Harbour Linkspan. Some are working on the Duke Street redevelopment, Lezayre Road reconstruction and the Finch Road pavement upgrade.
Another trainee is part of the public rights of way team working with one of the divisions’ joiners to repair and construct bridges and board walks around the island’s footpaths.
One trainee is working at the Animal Waste Processing Plant and another is working in the Technical Services Office helping to electronically archive design drawings, some of which are 100 years old.
Engineering manager Graham Allison said: ‘The team has been very impressed with our trainee. He is working very hard in all weathers and is picking up skills very quickly.’
Infrastructure Minister David Cretney MHK said: ‘I’m delighted we have been able to offer opportunities to these young people. The jobs market is very tight and young people are getting squeezed out.’
It is estimated there are 300-700 people not in education, employment of training in the island. Trainees on the DoI’s programme received an extra £30 per week on top of any benefits that they would normal receive.
