Previous Story
Resolving local unemployment
|
Posted on Dec 04 2006
The take-home message to Public Auditor Mike Sablan’s recent presentation on maximizing resident employment, as well as a Nov. 24, 2006, [I]Saipan Tribune[/I] article on a proposed tax on foreign workers, is that too many of our local residents are leaving the island in search of better employment opportunities. At the same time the government spends thousands of dollars recruiting off-island educators, engineers, nurses, attorneys, and health professionals.
The overflow of foreign workers and the low minimum wage are only part of the problem. The need for career counseling and employment outreach is overlooked.
Unlike many United States jurisdictions, the CNMI does not have agency dedicated to assisting the unemployed in finding jobs. Further, our centers of education do not have offices that focus on career development. While our government’s current economic problems may limit the funding available for counseling and outreach, failure to set up such programs may condemn our community to long-term stagnation.
A career development office at the Northern Marianas College could be a start. The office could post job opportunities and allow public use of phones, computers, copiers, and fax machines for career searches and applications. It could also offer seminars on writing resumes and preparing for interviews. Lectures on choosing a sustainable career path should be offered at the high school and college level.
While our Community Guidance Center offers excellent support with many social problems, it does not have a division dedicated to career counseling. Unemployed adults, as well as students unsure about their future careers, could benefit from this type of counseling.
Finally, it may be useful to establish an agency with which workers can raise complaints regarding employment discrimination and other issues.
The unemployment of local residents is a complex problem that requires government attention. Investment in career counseling and outreach is an essential step in moving towards a solution.
[B]Juan T. Lizama[/B] [I]via e-mail[/I]
