PHILIPSBURG – The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) partnering with the Department of Labor Affairs will be hosting, for the second year in a row, an all-encompassing Job Fair on October 29, at the University of St. Martin (USM) from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
With this initiative the Association is attempting to bring together job-seekers and employers to find a suitable match. Job seekers will have the opportunity to meet with businesses from various sections of the current industries on St. Maarten. Mainly representatives from Hospitality establishments, and job placement agencies, will be present to offer their vacancies and to give general information regarding the types of jobs that are available in these industries.
As not all students have the opportunities to further their education right away, this can be a beneficial opportunity for them to gain experience within the work field or to obtain an excellent job to further their careers. Furthermore, there is an alarming 26% of youth unemployed in St. Maarten. “This is a great concern as the youth is the future of this island, therefore SHTA has the ambition to be a part of lowering this number of unemployment,” SHTA said in a statement.
“We encourage each participant to attend one of the educational sessions,” the release continued. The useful information being provided by the session facilitators will benefit job-seekers in their application procedure, thus increasing their chance of success. The information being provided in the educational sessions has been compiled from the business community’s observations regarding those who seek employment. This means that current requirements and observation points will conveyed to the attendees.
“In addition, the educational session will include information on how to present yourself for an interview. Tips and techniques will also be provided on how best to communicate and sell yourself as a candidate for the job that you are seeking,” said SHTA. Educational institutions such as USM and NIPA will be on hand to provide information regarding upgrading of academic and practical skills.
Businesses that would like to participate are encouraged to register for a space at the fair, since space is limited. Any interested establishments are requested to register on the association’s website. Registration fee is set at US $100 for SHTA members, and US $200 for non-SHTA members. Registration is free for all employment seekers.
Some of the companies and/organizations that have already registered for the event are: Department of Labor, Sonesta Group of Companies, Divi Resort, Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Domino’s Pizza, Simpson Bay Resort, Prime Distributors and Windward Roads.
Registration for both job seekers and businesses can be done via the website www.shta.com/Events. “You will be directed to the Job Fair where you can select the appropriate form.” The SHTA is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information, contact their offices or visit their website: www.shta.com.
