LMIS Week to Focus on Manchester

Manchester will be the area of focus for the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), as the ministry observes Labour Market Information System (LMIS) Week, January 22 to 27, to sensitize the public about its work.

The LMIS is a one-stop data and information source, designed to satisfy the needs of job seekers and employers in the labour market.

Themed “Easier Access to Employment Opportunities”, the week of activities will commence with a Church Service on (January 22), at the Mandeville Baptist Church at 9 am.

On Monday (January 23) a television interview will be on “Smile Jamaica” (TVJ), and on Tuesday (January 24), the Ministry will be staging a Skills Triangle Workshop at the Vocational Training Development Institute (VTDI), Mandeville, starting at 9 a.m.

Director of Research and Analysis at the Ministry, Dawn Ellis Francis, says that the Skills Triangle Workshop is geared at exposing students to different aspects of work.

“We will be looking at employability skills, work related skills and qualification presentations, to prepare students for the world of work. Recently, we conducted a survey and, based on the results, employers complained about the readiness of both secondary and tertiary students, who are entering the labour market, hence the decision for the workshop,” she explained.

The activities continue on Wednesday (January 25) with an Awards Ceremony at Hotel Four Seasons, Kingston, in recognition of last year’s LMIS Poster Competition winners. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Derrick Kellier, will deliver the main address.

The week of activities will end on Friday (January 27) with a Future Job Exposition on the grounds of the VTDI Centre, Mandeville, starting at 9 am. It will be followed by a concert in the afternoon.

“The target audience includes students from high schools in Manchester, Clarendon and St. Elizabeth, as well as tertiary institutions, focusing on jobs that are available in the labour force,” Mrs. Ellis Francis stated.

Some of the participants include Caribbean Aerospace College, Northern Caribbean University (NCU), Three Angels Pharmacy, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Jamaica Fire Brigade, and University of Technology (U-Tech).

By Jeneva Gordon, JIS PRO