1/20/2014

The Ministry of Labour is calling on the private sector to assist in providing employment opportunities to those registered at the Ministry's employment program - the National Employment Centre.

This after seven more registered personnel were recently absorbed into permanent employment. The seven volunteers have been absorbed into permanent employment with Kinis Allied Industry located in Labasa. They were involved in the construction of thirty new homes funded by Government for those that underwent the relocation process in Labasa.

The Minister for Labour Mr Jone Usamate acknowledged the exceptional work carried out by the volunteers in the building of the houses and highlighted that any organisation initiating such projects must first consider engaging the unemployed registered under the NEC as they have been professionally developed and mentored through the NEC's employment creation framework.

"When you engage the unemployed persons for employment it provides them entry into the labour market. Once they are in the labour market they will be able to acquire job skills and relevant competencies which will assist them to secure sustainable employment.

"Positive feedback have been received from both attachees and employers of the efficiency of this framework and we are thankful to the employers for coming forward in good faith to engage clients registered under the NEC," Mr Usamate said.

Volunteer Mr Uraia Tawake who was unemployed for two years before volunteering in the rehabilitation project thanked Government for providing them with the opportunity to gain work experience.

"By working in this project I have learnt time management and basic rules of work and work routine. This new job will provide me with a good opportunity to know more about my capabilities and develop my skills and also assist my family," Mr Uraia Tawake said.

Another volunteer Mr Evani Buliruarua who was involved in plumbing and carpentry work thanked the government for not giving up on them.

"I have gained a lot of experience and have learnt that I can do a work or task without much supervision. My advice to those who are looking for jobs is to keep trying and never give up or lose hope, who knows that the treasure you are looking for is just around the corner," he added.

The General Manager of Kinis Allied Industry Mr Kiran Chand Reddy said the skills brought in by the volunteers would be an asset to his company.

"The NEC is an easy one stop shop to get a good labour force with people who have been taught life skills and work ethics. Minimal time is spent by the company on work ethics literacy and teaching administrative work as they have done similar work with the NEC," Mr Reddy highlighted.

The Minister is urging employers to continue to partner with the NEC to provide the unemployed clients with meaningful jobs, thus contributing towards alleviating poverty and boosting national productivity.

-ENDS-

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