The sponsorship by Holland America Line of the K1 Britannia Foundation and National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA) construction course reported on in Monday’s newspaper is the kind of relationship with hospitality sector players that St. Maarten could use more of. The tour of cruise ship MS Koningsdam for 20 youngsters in a six-month carpentry course was an extra bonus that will hopefully inspire them to think big.
The main thing is that they are earning regionally-recognised certification, which enhances their future options. The fact that this regards so-called second chance education makes it all the better from a societal point of view.
The trade they are learning is no doubt marketable on the island as it rebuilds from the extensive damage caused by monster Hurricane Irma. In that same edition of the paper alone there were two separate vacancy advertisements for – among other things – carpenters and this has been the norm since last year.
It must be said, though, both these ads asked for five years’ experience. That’s their business, of course, but nevertheless leaves one wondering how reasonable such conditions are under the current circumstances.
Perhaps the intention is just to get existing work permits of foreigners extended by publishing the vacancy as legally required. However, specific qualities of the persons concerned justifying such should then be listed, rather than only “x” amount of experience.
Employers too need to understand the importance of offering some prospects to the local youth if they show willingness to invest in themselves. This can also be done by getting involved in similar public-private partnerships (PPPs) benefitting the community where they make their living.
It’s known as good corporate citizenship.
