Job Seekers that have engaged the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency – Ministry of Social Protection, are being trained by the agency to prepare them for the world of work. The agency recently concluded its first batch of two training sessions in region 4. The session was conducted at the Regional boardroom on the East Coast of Demerara on the 8th August, 2018.
Other training sessions were completed in regions: 3, 5, 6&10, while a session is also to be conducted in region 2.
The “World of Work” training will equip participants with the relevant technical skills needed on entry into the workforce. These include work ethics, knowledge of the Labour Laws and Occupational Safety and Health. It will also prepare participants for interviews by teaching interview techniques and effective resume and cover letter writing. A session was also conducted by the, Board of Industrial Training to prepare job seekers for technical careers and to inform them several programs offered by the department.
Assistant Chief Recruitment and Manpower Officer Ms. Yolanda Grant, in her opening remarks,encouraged the young persons to be committed and dedicated to their success.
“You all have a great opportunity to chart your own destiny. This will only be done through a high degree of discipline, commitment, dedication, resilience, fortitude, honesty, trustworthiness and reliability buttressed by good morals and professional ethics. These attributes will no doubt catapult you into that unlimited sphere where your creativity, innovation and vision will allow you to explore, experiment and chart your own course in history”
Labour Officer, Mr. Randy Burkett emphasized to the participants the importance of always collecting a contract before starting the job. “ you must know your terms of service and you must know your worth as an employee… you must not work for less than $44,200 per month , or less than $2,040 per day or less than $255 per hour. You must know your hours of work and you must not work for more than eight hours per day without being paid at a rate of time and a half for overtime” he said.
The Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA) is a division of the Ministry of Social Protection known formerly as the employment exchange. The Agency was established for the purpose of collecting and providing information to employers who wish to recruit persons who are seeking employment. A part of its mandate is to also offer career guidance and counselling. Since its establishment it has expanded its services across several regions.