DDC supports one-stop employment center By Marian A. Maraya

Local service providers looking after the welfare of individuals with disabilities have exerted efforts to support a measure that aims to establish general employment agency projected to make faster and easier job placements.

Otherwise referred to as the “one-stop” center, this approach under the newly-passed Workforce Investment Act is an effective job training, education and employment service center in the mainland.

The system is focused on meeting the needs of businesses for skilled workers and the training, education, and employment needs of individuals, all in one convenient location.

Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Disabilities Director Thomas J. Camacho said he looks forward to the many advantages a general employment center could bring to the CNMI community.

“This would be a combination of different employment agencies, local and in the mainland. It promotes employment. . .it lists every applicant with his/her background and matches the job vacancies based on the qualifications of the individual. Any employer can just call the center and request for certain qualifications,” explained Mr. Camacho.

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation also expressed support for a centralized employment system for local job seekers.

“Our local leaders are also interested in developing such a system through this new act and they may support this at the policy making level,” added Mr. Camacho.

The one-stop approach has been known to decrease the number of welfare recipients in the states. Furthermore, it has been effective in providing clients job opportunities and avenues for skills upgrade and enhancement.

Under this program, people will be able to easily receive a preliminary assessment of their skill levels, aptitudes, abilities, and support service needs.

Job seekers will be able to obtain information on a wide array of employment-related services, including information about local education and training service providers.

The system also allows clients to receive help in filing claims for unemployment insurance and evaluating eligibility for job training and education programs or student financial aid.

Moreover, clients will also be able to obtain job search and placement assistance, as well as receive career counseling.

Job seekers, in turn, will have access to up-to-date labor market information which identifies vacancies, skills necessary for in-demand jobs, and provides information about local, regional, and national employment trends.