PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association’s all-encompassing Job fair hosted at the NIPA institute on October 24th from 10am to 4pm, surpassed the participants and organizers expectations. SHTA and Department of Labor affairs ventured into a Private –Public partnership to create multiple avenues for employment seekers to successfully find employment within all industries on St. Maarten. The fair registered 140 persons seeking employment.
Job Seekers had the opportunity to meet with businesses from a cross section of the industries on St. Maarten. Representatives from Construction companies, Hospitality establishments large and small, job placement agencies, Marine sector industries administrative and financial institutions were present to discuss their vacancies and to give general information regarding the types of Jobs available in each industry and respective company. Organizers and participating businesses noticed a large number of young person’s seeking employment. Many businesses interviewed persons ranging from recently graduated to those who were seeking an additional job and/or new career. The participating businesses commented that they were happy to see the steady stream of people throughout the entire day. When asked if the fair yielded potential candidates for their vacancies, a vast majority replied with a resounding ‘yes’. “Great initiative! We have seen some very good candidates today” –Westin Dawn
The Department of Labor affairs received a large stream of persons, which sometimes resulted in a line, seeking information and employment. Job seekers posed questions regarding the labor laws, their rights and obligations, how to increase their chances of employment through the department and updated info on required documentation. “It was good to have the labor department here, there were question that I wanted to ask but had not had the chance to do so” said one of the many who sat at the department’s desk.
As part of preparing and encouraging job-seekers to be properly prepared for their interviews and/or application procedure, Educational sessions were made available for job seekers. Participants could choose to attend one of 3 sessions held throughout the day in specially allocated classrooms. Course topics were ‘How to prepare for an interview’, ‘How to write a good Resume’ and a LinkedIn Crash course provide by Sintelligence Academy. The latter course provided by, social media marketing certified Ardwell Irion and local photography professional Elvis Harrigan and provided an opportunity for 1 free professional resume photo. Dr. Francio Guadeloupe, Dr. Natasha Gittens of the University of St. Maarten and Ms. Carmen Barran of Simpsonbay resort and Casino were the guest lecturers facilitating the Resume and Interview preparation sessions.
Participants left the classes armed with additional knowledge and a better perspective on how to succeed in today’s job market. “It was important for both the SHTA and the Department of Labor affairs that we were able to provide these sessions to provide information about what employers are looking for. What makes them notice you which in turn increases your chances of you be hired” said organizing committee representatives.
Educational institutions NIPA, USM and ICUC from Curacao, were also on hand to provide information regarding upgrading courses and study possibilities for career advancement. “It was a pleasure so see so much interest in the courses being offered” said ICUC representative. The University of St. Maarten expressed that they were happy to participate and provide information regarding their recently accredited courses. Many of the businesses and job seekers had not been to the NIPA institute and were pleasantly surprised to see the facilities and hear about the opportunities available at the institute. The Hospitality Department of the institute showcased their culinary and service skills by providing food and beverage on sale during the Fair. Business, volunteers and job seekers alike had the opportunity to consume tasty prepared foods while conducting the business of the day, all in one facility.
SHTA would like to thank the Labor Department for being a partner in the Job fair. The Association also extends its gratitude to the NIPA institute staff and volunteers, the Rotary Mid –Isle volunteers, all participating businesses and job seekers, the organizing committee and the staff of the SHTA office for contributing towards a successful job fair. ‘The next step is to create a database for employers to contact the registered job seekers. Based on the reaction of most businesses that were present we are optimistic that job offers will result from this event” said SHTA. The demographics of the event and follow up will be announced in a future press release.
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 please contact our offices at 542-0108 or visit our website at www.shta.com
