Philipsburg, Sint Maarten –– The Department of Labor Affairs and Social Services will be hosting its first ever largescale registration drive on Thursday 3 September, 2015 at the Clem Labega Square in the parking lot in front of the Government Administrative Building. The initiative is called The Start Here Campaign: Your Path to Employment and Career Development“, with the theme “Your Path Starts Here”.
The “Start Here” Campaign is geared towards boosting economic viability of a large segment of the population while also changing the perception and attitudes regarding the meditative role of the department, in the world of employment.
On a daily basis the department is tasked with providing effective and efficient service as it regards employment and or training opportunities. The primary objective is to meet the demand for suitable employees by matching these employees with suitable vacancies, provided by the business community. This task becomes difficult with a small or insufficient database. The “Start Here” campaign aims therefore to expand and update the current database with suitable and competent jobseekers. The “Start Here” Campaign consists of four initiatives: the first initiative significantly relaxes the requirements to register as a jobseeker, (this initiative goes into effect on August 31st , 2015). Persons who register on or after this date will only need to submit the completed registration form, a copy of a valid identification card, an updated resume and a copy of relevant diplomas and or certificates.
The department is currently developing a platform in which job seekers and the business community can interact freely; as it regards employment opportunities. The platform will consist of vacancies separately sourced by the department during an upcoming registration drive and various profiles of persons seeking employment and career development opportunities.
The day of the registration drive will be met with various activities one of which is the “Start Here Activity” which aims to guide persons along their path to employment and career development opportunities. Attendees will follow a path steered by important questions concerning educational backgrounds and work experience, until they arrive at their desired destination and ending with the registration process. Attendees will also be provided with information on vacancies and job training opportunities currently available at the department.
The departments’ overall theme for this year is accountability on the part of all relevant stakeholders. As a result, the department has been working tirelessly to acquire new partnerships with businesses for employment and training opportunities. The opportunities will vary in terms of industries, requirements for educational background and experience. The department has made good strides in the area of partnerships with some of the leading companies on the island, however more is needed and will be expected from the business community moving forward. None of this would be a success without the continued cooperation of and input from the business community.
For more information on the campaign and launch of the various initiatives please visit www.sxmlaboraffairs.com and Facebook @ sxm.laboraffairs.and.socialservices. Various job training and employment opportunities will also be available online during the coming months. The “Start Here” Registration Form will be available for download on the website and at the department in anticipation of the upcoming registration drive.
All persons whether employed or employed, especially high school (academic) graduates and tertiary level graduates are invited to the Clem Labega Square on Thursday 3rd September, 2015 between 9:00AM and 4:00PM to participate in the upcoming drive, remember “Your Path Starts Here”!
