A fairer future for young people and families
PRIORITY
The Isle of Man should be a place where people can start out, settle down and succeed.
Leaving to study or see the world can be positive. The problem is that coming home has become too difficult.
High house prices, limited career options and the rising cost of living are making it harder to build a future here.
Government must remove those barriers by:
Making it easier and more attractive for younger people to return.
Supporting families who are raising the next generation.
People shouldn’t have to choose between the Island they love and the opportunities they need.
Education that works for every learner
Schools should prepare children for adult life and work. Academic achievement matters but technical, vocational and creative skills should be equally valued.
Children with additional needs must get the right support, with families helped throughout the education journey.
Routes into work
Young people who choose to stay on the Island should see a clear path into a rewarding career.
We need stronger links between education, UCM and employers, so young people develop the skills businesses need.
I will push for improvements to apprenticeship schemes where businesses are left carrying too much of the risk.
Incentives to return
Coming home after studying should feel like a realistic option.
Government already offers loan cancellation for returning teachers. I will push for that scheme to be expanded, starting with other shortage professions, including health, social care and engineering.
This would give more graduates a reason to bring their skills home.
Support raising a family
Childcare is one of the biggest pressures facing working families.
The Pre-School Credit Scheme begins only in the year a child turns three, leaving many parents without support when costs are highest. During that gap, some reduce their hours, pause their careers or have to rely heavily on friends or family.
I support extending the scheme or introducing other help that enables parents to stay in work.
My priorities:
Equal value for academic, vocational, technical and creative pathways.
Earlier intervention for learners with additional needs.
Improved apprenticeships, paid training and work experience.
Stronger links between education, UCM, employers and Government.
Extended loan cancellation for other shortage professions.
Earlier childcare support for working families.