Workshops equip students for employment

By Soli Wilson 26 November 2018, 12:00AM

Getting graduates ready and well equipped for the workforce was the inspiration for student support services workshops held at the National University of Samoa yesterday. 

The annual programme which is hosted by the university’s student support services is for graduates to begin the job hunt.

Today is the final day of the workshops at the N.U.S lecture theatre D-201 from 9am to 12:30pm.

Participants learnt about writing curriculum vitaes, job interviews, and apprenticeship schemes, employment services. 

They were also shown a market survey of where jobs are, and guest speakers shared work experiences.

Guest speakers included Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour Assistant Chief Executive Officer Sa’u Taupisi Fa’amau, Transworks Ltd director Tofa Masoe Mu’a, and a fourth-year apprentice with Hyundai, Ida Marie Laulu.

The speakers appealed for the students to be honest, committed, consistent and transparent when applying for jobs, and while in their jobs.

A third year arts student said she had learned about how to find, apply and keep a job.

“The workshop made me realize that there is so much more to learn other than the usual lectures, like the way to properly write up a C.V, what to expect during a job interview and the importance of being honest with your work,” Elizabeth Lameta said. 

Tupa’i Peresitene is the manager of the student support services and he said the workshop is a good way to prepare students for the workforce.

“The focus of this workshop looks at giving [students] an insight into what the workforce is like and what is expected of them as employees,” he said.

He added that this provides great connection between what the students study and what the employment market needs.

“We cover so many areas in order to connect the courses taught with the employment market because there are just so many students who’ve graduated few years back but are still looking for jobs.”

While this workshop is mainly for graduates, he said there is a need to deliver it earlier, focusing on first-year bachelor students who need help applying for jobs during their studies.

“Most of the jobs require the students to have work experience and this is one of the big barriers for the students.

“Maybe if we deliver this workshop earlier, the students may feel more confident to get out into the workforce earlier gaining the experience needed for the future,” he added. 

The workshops have been running for three years. 

By Soli Wilson 26 November 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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