The Isle of Wight Economic Partnership, exhibiting through their Inspire project, illustrated a range of opportunities that exist on the Isle of Wight at this year’s Island Learning and Guidance Event. Cowes High School was this year’s host for the event, aimed at encouraging people of all ages to find out more about education, training and career opportunities. The event was probably the biggest event of its kind in the country with over 2500 people attending, to visit over 100 exhibitors. IWEP conducted a survey of young people’s opinions about opportunities on the Isle of Wight along with a competition to win a 60GB iPod. IWEP encouraged as many people as possible to give their views and perceptions of the Island, whilst telling them about the fantastic opportunities that exist on the Island.
IWEP were pleased to see that 78% of students asked, gave a positive view of the Isle of Wight, whilst the vast majority of respondents of High School students who answered the question about their future viewed further education as an option but interestingly many did not see their future career opportunities on the Island. “This is an area we need to work on, exciting opportunities do exist on the Island and encouraging motivated, bright individuals into local business is just what the Island economy needs to ensure it continues to flourish” - said Mike King, Managing Director, IWEP. An astounding 311 people entered the competition on Friday with Zoe Minshull, 14, of Cowes High being drawn as the lucky winner. Zoe felt “that the Island lacks part-time jobs and things to do for people of my age” but added “I’m so happy I won the iPod”.