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Archive - Archive 2004 - July 2013

Training schemes open avenues for job seekers |02 April 2013

Training schemes open avenues for job seekers

The graduates in a souvenir photograph with guests after they had been presented with their certificates

Organised by the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development, these training schemes -- the Skills Development Programme and the Skills Acquisition Programme – were aimed at developing the skills of young people, especially first-time job seekers who are facing difficulties to secure permanent employment.

The trainees had the opportunity to acquire work experience in a field of occupation of their choice. The 2012 graduates completed training in various fields such as food & beverages, housekeeping, front office, office administration, information technology and carpentry, among others.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Bob Suri, the resort manager of the Four Seasons Hotel, said he is privileged to congratulate all the graduates of the programme.

“The skills development programme is an incredible initiative brought in by the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development, but it’s the courage and determination and hard work of these graduates which has brought the programme alive,” he said.

“The success of the members of the programme at the Four Seasons has been incredible. We had 22 members who trained at our property over the last three years and eight of them are currently in full-time employment with us. Some of them are present here today and are key members of our team and an example to their co-workers as well.

“They embody the Four Seasons golden rule, which is: treat others as you would want to be treated yourself. They are success stories, and I hope they will inspire future participants of the programme to follow their lead and take the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Acting principal secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development, Egbert Rosalie, said the skills development programmes have served as second chance for young, unskilled jobseekers who were eager to develop their abilities and knowledge in an occupation.

“The employment training programmes have indeed succeeded in giving hope and opening windows of opportunity to young people who have secured employment after completion of the programmes,” said Mr Rosalie.
“This proves the government’s commitment towards the youth and our relentless effort to offer adequate resources to facilitate the recruitment and training of young people.”

Speaking on behalf of her fellow graduates, Doris Chettiar said: “We want to express our sincere, heartfelt appreciation for the ministry’s continuous support to youth development. This training course did not only grant us the opportunity to enhance our knowledge and skills, but it has also intensified our capacity to cope with the increasing labour market.”

Ms Chettiar called on the stakeholders involved with the youth training programme to reach out for more vulnerable job-seekers and help them to gain permanent employment.

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