DES to tap job specialist in drawing up training plan
The Division of Employment is set to hire a job specialist before the end of the year to help draw up a training program for local resident job applicants as part of DES’ effort in reducing unemployment rate on the island.
According to DES Director Alfred Pangelinan, the need to hire a job specialist was brought about by the fact that 79 percent of the registered applicants in his office only reached high school education.
“We are looking at adoptive skills and transferable skills that will help these people in finding employment,” said Mr. Pangelinan. From January to August of this year, DES was able to assist in providing jobs for 260 local residents.
Due to the refusal of employers to hire local residents on grounds that their skills are inadequate, DES has focused its efforts in evaluating the skills of job applicants and their areas of interest. A basic skills assessment is also conducted with the assistance of the Northern Marianas College Adult Basic Education Program.
“One of the innovative programs we have is conducting regular, “good faith meetings” with employers where the common objective of finding a job for the local resident is discussed. We remind them that management is supposed to hire locals and provide them with the introductory training,” Mr. Pangelinan said.
DES has earlier urged the House Committee on Judicial and Governmental Relations to pass a proposed measure that aims to assist prospective resident employees, particularly college students or graduates, who are unable to obtain employment because they lack the necessary work experience.
Mr. Pangelinan commended HB 12-222 because it will strengthen the jurisdiction of DES in providing an efficient and effective system of resolution of complaints in connection with referral, placement and other employment issues.
However, the DES chief suggested that the proposed measure should also include those who have high school diploma, training and work-related experience.
He emphasized that educational requirement, training and skills are measured in every job to ensure that employers are given the benefit to choose their best candidate as part of their business strategy.
