The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Youth and Sports Honourable Parveen Kumar Bala closed the Western Division Student Employment Exposure Programme (SEEP) at the Natabua High School Hall in Lautoka on Friday (3/5) after the successful launch of the programme on 2nd February, 2019.
Minister Bala highlighted that the main objective of the School Employment Program (SEEP) is to spearhead the smooth transition of students from school, into the world of work; into decent jobs and employment growth, based on student’s subject combinations, skills set, potentials and line of interests.
“A total of 149 students participated under the SEEP programme and were employed by a total of thirty-two (32) employers,” Minister Bala said.
“I must congratulate all the 149 students for taking up this challenge and sacrificing your school holidays for this life-changing experience.”
“As students, you have a huge responsibility ahead and that is, shaping the future of work including inclusive and sustainable development.”
At the same time he also acknowledged and thanked all the thirty-two (32) host employers for taking in the 149 students into their respective workplaces.
“Your support has enabled these students to learn employability skills which will help them to make informed decisions on their career choices.”
“These informed decisions will enable the students to prepare well for tertiary education and eventually, entering the world of work with confidence,” Minister Bala said.
He also acknowledged the efforts made by both the Ministry of Education and his Ministry, in collaboration with all key stakeholders in making it a reality for the selected students to experience the “world of work” or “work-life” from the beginning of the school holidays last week and ending today.
In ensuring the sustainability of this SEEP program for the benefit of our future generation, the Ministry of Employment will continue to work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education Heritage and Arts, the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation, the ILO Office for the Pacific and all other partners.
Minister Bala also urged SEEP participants to share their stories and experiences and also to motivate and encourage non participating students to participate in the next round of the programme.