Employment Training Scheme: Doors open wider for young jobseekers |04 February 2014

A group of young people have received their certificates after successfully completing their training in two programmes aimed at boosting their chances of securing employment.

The two programmes – the Skills Development Programme and Skills Acquisition Programme – form part of the government’s Employment Training Scheme aimed at better preparing, motivating and assisting the youth to secure gainful employment.

According to the principal secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development Veronique Bresson, the introduction of the various training programmes under the scheme has helped in increasing employment opportunities for a significant number of young people who are now plying their trade in various local industries in both the private and public sector.

She noted that since 2005 a total of 1,333 youngsters have completed training under both the ‘Skills Development Programme’ and the ‘Skills Acquisition Programme’ in the sectors of Construction, Agriculture, Engineering, Hairdressing, Craftwork, Hospitality, Daycare and Sales.

The recent group of young people who have followed the programmes were presented with their certificates in a ceremony held last week at the International Conference Centre in the presence of the Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development Idith Alexander.

Addressing the gathering, Ms Bresson noted that the various programmes under the Employment Training Scheme have become increasingly important and common among the young jobseekers, especially secondary schools drop-outs, in order to get themselves marketable as the structure of the local labour market becomes more competitive.

“Today young people with lower education level have relatively fewer employment opportunities than their counterparts fifteen to twenty years ago. The stakes for young people in obtaining and keeping secured employment, particularly those who have not completed formal education, are high. Therefore for those without a formal school certificate, work experience is extremely important in building a base for their future progression,” she said.

She said it is the call of her ministry to support and facilitate skills development to the unskilled and inexperienced, to help them acquire the required skills and knowledge to be active participants in the socio-economic development of the country.

“Our country needs active young men and women who will eagerly strive to better their quality of life and absorb for themselves the benefits that come with the opportunities put at their disposal, which they must seize and take advantage of,” she said.

“The ministry acknowledges the many difficulties involved in youth employment and employment related challenges that are currently being faced by the youth. As such, addressing those challenges through skills development, knowledge sharing, policies and programmes, advocacy and partnerships is one of our main objectives in the forthcoming National Employment Policy,” she added.

Citing statistics, she noted that in November 2013, jobseekers aged 15-30 years accounted for 57% of the 726 total registered job seekers, with more males (54%) compared to 46% female applicants within this age group.

“Through the programmes under the Employment Training Scheme the ministry recognises the particular needs of the youths and equips them with vocational skills directed towards building their capacity and increasing their employability,” Ms Bresson said.

She also noted that the private sector has an equal obligation and a greater role to play towards investing in skills and human resource development.

“The ministry no doubt acknowledges the contribution of organisations that are helping young jobseekers to obtain work experience and to secure a job in their chosen field of work. This collective effort and joint responsibility is encouraged and needed if we want a workforce that is skillful and knowledgeable.

It is also through partnerships and shared responsibility that more in society is achieved.

The ministry is fully committed in ensuring that the strong partnership that exists between the government and the private sector is maintained and we want to further collaborate with our stakeholders as we move forward,” Ms Bresson said.

Addressing the certificate recipients directly, she said those who are already in employment, the skills, knowledge and experiences gained over the training programme will put them in a better position to understand the real work situations and this will contribute towards improving productivity in the work place and professional development.

As for those who were unemployed before joining the employment schemes, she said the certificates they were receiving will be the stepping stone for their future careers.
 
“With the skills and knowledge acquired during the training period, you can now face the future with confidence,” she told them.

She urged them to continue empowering themselves.

“Remember that ‘Knowledge is power’ and the more efficient and productive you become at work, the more you become employable,” she said.

Ms Bresson challenged them to also consider being creators of employment.

“The country needs entrepreneurs. It has been well documented that small businesses drive employment creation.

I therefore encourage you to keep working hard and be focused towards the future. This year, the national theme is encouraging us to be determined in championing the cause of small islands states. You are the youths of Seychelles and its future. Be bold and be determined in showing your potentials in achieving the vision of our country,” she said.