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PROVIDENCILAES, Turks and Caicos Islands; Friday, November 28, 2008 – The National Employment Drive geared towards empowering Turks and Caicos Islanders in the workforce concluded today. The Drive was aimed at arming Islanders with the tools they need to get ahead in their careers, whether they were currently unemployed, students, graduates returning from abroad or simply persons considering a change of career.
Put on by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Public Safety, the Drive commenced on Monday November 24th and saw persons undergoing a registration process. Held at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Centre in Providenciales, registrants partook in workshops that included sessions on Self Assessment, Expectations of Potential Employees, Remaining Employable in a Changing Environment, Work Ethic, Interview Preparation and the Employment Process; all which proved to be very informative and interactive.
Spearheading the National Employment Drive, Hon. Galmo Williams, Minister of Home Affairs and Public Safety said: "I think the Employment Drive went very well and it certainly gave us a great idea about our labour pool. I think our human resource personnel have done an excellent job in assisting us, and helping our people for the workforce."
Owing to the success of this initial exercise, Minister Williams said that: "This is something that we will continue to do; maybe not in the same way, as we have evaluate lesions learnt, and make changes where necessary. Nevertheless, we will continue to educate and prepare our people for work environment; as they are our most important resource in the Turks and Caicos."
An opening ceremony was observed for the Drive on Wednesday; and Thursday saw to panel of experts in industries such as hospitality, construction, banking and the Labour Department, along with other professions on hand, presenting their field to registrants, informing them about career choices and areas they are best suited for within the industry they choose to work.
Joan Sutton, Industrial Relations Officer with the Labour Department give talk a on the rights of the employer and employee in her 'The Employment Process After Hired' presentation. Human Resource Specialist Bridgette Thomas gave a presentation on Interview Preparation, while Caesar Campbell, CEO at the Turks and Caicos Islands Hotel and Tourism Association spoke on what the expectations were of employers/employees in the hotel industry.
Ivan Browne, President and Chief Executive of International Banking Group (TCI) Ltd and Eugene Burns, General Manager at Comfort Suites – both in the service industry - said that persons exuding a positive attitude, team work, professionalism and integrity are what they look for most when considering applicants.
The week of activities culminated today with a job fair that saw various resorts screening and interviewing candidates; some being offered positions on the spot!
Parrot Cay Resort was looking for numerous positions that are to be filled by late January 2009. The Wymara Resort, opening in January 2009, with its first guests arriving in February, saw it fit to have HR Specialist Norma Goodridge assist them in the pre-screening process to fill some vacancies. "We are looking at everybody," said Mrs. Goodridge, "both persons with a degree and others who may not have them. We feel that we have the capacity to train persons for positions in areas where they may qualify; and it is imperative that no one goes unchecked."
With the opening of their Italian Village in January, Beaches Resort and Spa has vacancies in all departments said recruiters Monique McClean-Barnes and Dr. Shelly Ann Whitely, Human Resource Manager and Training Manager respectively. During the course of the day, they met several persons whom may not on paper appear to be suitable candidates, but their warm personality and drive make them ideal for molding into someone the resort can grow into an exceptional employee. "We are looking for smiles and qualified candidates," said Mrs. McClean-Barnes, "These persons must also be trainable, even if they have not worked in the industry before, it's the personality that sells and a willingness to learn that are important."
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