THE FIRST batch of applicants for the hotel workers overseas employment programme has completed their training and are to receive certificates soon.
Minister of Labour and Social Security Donald Buchanan said 492 people had been trained at HEART Trust/NTA centres across the island and that a second batch of 500 would begin training early next month.
He noted that the trainees were being prepared to fill about 2,000 positions in hotels in the U.S. The cost of their training amounted to just over $6.3 million, jointly funded jointly by the Ministry and HEART Trust/ NTA.
The training will prepare applicants to fill positions of housemen, housekeepers and kitchen stewards.
Data supplied by Manpower Services indicated that of the 492 applicants in the first batch, Kingston and St. Andrew had the highest number, 151, while St. Thomas, eight, had the lowest.
The programme has attracted more than 6,000 applicants from across the island.
Applicants who met the minimal requirements are now being shortlisted and forms are being processed and placed in order of parish.
Director of Manpower Services in the Overseas Employment Section of the Ministry of Labour Barry Bailey said employers would be visiting the island to conduct interviews and assess shortlisted candidates.
Mr. Bailey explained that the process would then involve the verification of police records of the successful applicants and a medical examination.
medical examination is important, as applicants must be in good health. show no drug use and not be pregnant," he said.
