More than 100 Abaconians lined up at China Harbour Engineering Company's (CHEC) job fair Tuesday, not only for an opportunity of steady employment, but for a real chance to support their community.
Abaco resident Herschell Edgecombe, 26, is confident that construction of the $39 million North Abaco Port project will in turn kick start more activity on the island-at-large. He was one of the first people in attendance at the Faith Walk Church of God in Coopers Town, even before the job fair officially opened its doors.
"It's important for young people to be able to get a good job and establish themselves. I just want to position myself to make a life for myself and my family,"said the young father.
Edgecombe's story is one of many at the job fair, where nearly 150 people from throughout The Bahamas submitted applications and got interviewed on the spot. Principal of CHEC Felix Chang expressed the importance of hosting such an event, as it gives the company an understanding of what skill sets are easily available on the island.
"This project has huge potential for growth of the economy in North Abaco and Abaco in general," said Chang. "So it is important for us to build a team of qualified persons who will help us make this port a reality."
To ensure this, CHEC has extended the time for applicants who were not able to bring all the required documents (copy of National Insurance Board card, references and police record) to the job fair. Applicants with incomplete applications have up to two weeks to drop them off at the island administrator's office in North Abaco.
CHEC has also engaged the services of an independent human resources firm to make the decision on hiring employees, in an effort to keep the process fair and impartial. Over the next few weeks, CHEC expects successful candidates will be short-listed for the available positions before the final selection is made.
CHEC is a full service provider in large-scale construction business for more than 30 years, with more than 160 awards for a number of projects. The leading engineering company specializes in the areas of marine engineering, dredging, land reclamation and in the construction of roads, bridges, airports and railways.

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