Dominica: lanzan programa nacional de empleo

Gov’t embarks on job creation drive

Minister for Employment, Trade, Industry and Diaspora Affairs, Dr Collin McIntyre has announced that about 315 Dominicans are expected to be employed within the next few weeks under the government’s National Employment Program.

The program was launched on Monday and is geared at assisting unemployed college and university graduates in gaining employment, training and experience.

A trade and employment expo, now going on at the Windsor Park, forms part of the initiative.

“The National Employment Program being launched here today consists of several different employment initiatives including on the job training and mentorship program, community development employment initiatives, graduate internships, education mentorships, adult education work programs and marketing assistance programs,” McIntyre said during the launch of the event.

He added that the government will cover the employment cost of the interns for a one-year period and some will begin their internships this week.

“I am pleased to announce that 120 young people, who under the employment and small business unit, have completed apprenticeship programs in bartending, housekeeping, front desk operations, food and beverage services, culinary arts and creative manicure and pedicure will gain attachments this week,” he said.

In addition, within the coming weeks over 100 young people are expected to receive placements in various private sector organizations for job training, according to McIntyre.

“I am proud to announce that this week 45 university graduates will begin work within the public sector, statutory bodies and NGO’s … further a special program within the Kalinago Territorry will engage 10 graduates on agriculture, business and community development projects within the territory,” he said.

McIntyre pointed out further that the National Employment Program is not just a dream, but a reality.

“315 individuals will begin work within this week. A further 200 will be employed over the next few weeks as more opportunities become available and community development projects are launched,” McIntyre stated.

The minister revealed at the trade and employment expo over 70 local businesses are being represented.

“This expo is the key for job creation. We have over 70 local businesses represented here including our local manufacturers, health and wellness, financial services, ICT, agro producers, craft and jewelry among others. We encourage you to support our local businesses if we support local, we contribute to our local development and employment,” he noted.

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