The Department of Labour will hold a Construction Job Fair on Saturday, 20th January in response to recent increase in demand for construction industry workers. The event will be held at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gym from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.

Director of Labour, Mr. A. Robert Farquharson made the announcement during a press conference held at the Department of Labour on Rosetta Street on Thursday, 18th January. The Department has partnered with the Bahamas Contractors Association for this project.

To date, the Ministry of Labour in conjunction with the Department of Labour has held three initiatives since the beginning of the new year including an Employer’s Job Fair held January 8, and the ‘Labour on the Blocks’ campaign held January 13.

Mr. Farquharson noted: “Over the past few months, officials from the Department have observed an increase in the requests for non-Bahamian workers in the Construction Industry. These applications have raised very serious concerns due to the fact that thousands of Bahamians, with tremendous skills in the construction field, remained unemployed.”

He said that the Job Fair will permit the staff of the Public Employment Services Unit of the Department of Labour to register unemployed skilled Bahamians in the newly upgraded database, while simultaneously exposing trained, qualified and experienced workers with opportunities to be hired by over 25 construction companies that will be present at the job fair.

Director Farquharson said that all unemployed skilled persons in the construction field should take advantage of the opportunity. He said this includes land surveyors, quantity surveyors and project managers.

“Even if you are currently employed, you can come in and register with us because you will be in the database; so if your employment status changes, you would have already been in the system and we can recommend you for a job to a potential employer.” He said.

He said that a security firm would also be on site to offer over 40 jobs to potential employees who qualify. He asked that interested persons bring their resumes (if available); a government-issued identification card such as a passport, voter’s card, National Insurance card or Driver’s license and your email address.

“Please don’t be afraid to come out if you don’t have all of the documents or an email address,” said Mr. Farquharson. “We will create an email account for you on-site.”

Director of Labour, Mr. A. Robert Farquharson speaking to members of the media during a press conference held on Thursday, 18th January, 2018 at the Department of Labour on Rosetta Street. Director Farquharson was announcing the third of a slate of initiatives being held by the Ministry of Labour in conjunction with the Department of Labour. A Construction Job Fair is scheduled for Saturday, 20th January from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gym. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

By Betty Vedrine

Bahamas Information Services