MOU Signed to Strengthen Farm Work Programme
By: , August 5, 2024
Photo: JIS File
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr (second right) and Managing Director of the HEART/NSTA Trust, Dr. Taneisha Ingleton (second left), display copies of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the entities, which is aimed at enhancing the Overseas Employment Programme. The signing took place at the Ministry’s North Street offices in Kingston on Friday (July 26). Sharing the moment are State Minister, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Colette Roberts Risden. The agreement aims to foster a robust and dynamic labour market by equipping workers with employment readiness training and other skillsets required to succeed in the local and global workspace.The Full Story
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) is collaborating with the HEART/NSTA Trust to improve the training of workers under the Overseas Employment Programme.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise the arrangement was signed recently at the Ministry’s North Street offices.
Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said the agreement will equip workers with the essential skills and training needed for both local and global employment opportunities.
It introduces a revamped orientation programme for farm workers, designed to address past employer concerns and enhance its growth potential.
Minister Charles Jr. said there is need to refine the selection and orientation processes to boost the employability and adaptability of workers in diverse environments.
“By streamlining the provision of assessments, training and certification services, this MOU will ensure that farm workers receive comprehensive employment readiness training, forming a critical part of their orientation,” the Minister said.
The training modules under the MOU will cover essential areas, including communication skills, workplace etiquette, cross-cultural competence, and problem-solving abilities.
This comprehensive approach aims to equip candidates with the skills necessary to build productive relationships with employers and colleagues, thereby increasing their chances of success in international job markets.
“Through this training, our farm workers will be better prepared to navigate the complexities of overseas employment, ultimately contributing to Jamaica’s broader socio-economic development goals,” the Minister said. The MOU will also accelerate the MLSS’s ‘No One Left Behind’ policy by facilitating remedial training and certification of unsuccessful candidates of the farm work programme due to literacy challenges.
Provisions under the agreement will enhance local workforce employability through interventions for Programme for Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) beneficiaries enrolled in the Steps-to-Work programme.
This is by offering job-readiness training and pathways to skills training and certification at National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET) levels one and two.
In addition, it will offer training for the Ministry’s social workers and staff interfacing with clients to improve service delivery for Steps-to-Work participants and provide staff development in Customer Service Delivery and Training for Trainers courses.
Key focus areas to enhance workforce readiness and development under the MOU are training, assessment, certification of services, exchange of labour market expertise, sharing of information, work-based learning experience for learners, and technical assistance.
Minister Charles Jr. reaffirmed his Ministry’s dedication to forging partnerships to advance human capital development.
“We are committed to improving our comprehensive range of programmes and services as we continue our efforts to enhance the welfare of our citizens through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions,” he said.