Emergency income skills course commences February 18

PHILIPSBURG—Another Emergency Income Skills training program which was initiated by the Ministry of Health Social Affairs and Labor to assist vulnerable groups that were unemployed and under-employed following the passage of the hurricanes of 2017, will again commence on February 8. The training focuses on persons who were unemployed after their places of work were damaged by the hurricane and experienced loss of working hours can also participate in these courses.

The idea behind the course is to increase the student skills, making them employable and provide financial support to those who are employed and underemployed. The persons who attend the course also receive a stipend which is about the minimum wages and also health insurance.

Some of those who attend the previous course which is done to international standards are already graduating and moving on and now are receiving permanent employment. The Minister responsible for Labor Emil Lee stated that the training started an “interim program” that has helped to bring some income to those who were unemployed and also help “to bridge the gap” between the devastation of the hurricanes and given them an opportunity to recover and return to a better employment.

Employers have given very positive reviews of their employees that attended this training since they have seen the results with regard to the productivity and the skills.

Lee points out, that a new course which commences early next month February 18, gives students an opportunity in improving their skills and also receive a stipend and health insurance to making them more employable.

The new program is managed by the St. Maarten Training Foundation where students are enrolled in the 360 culinary arts program that is geared to enhance their knowledge, skills and attitude in hospitality operations in accordance with international standards. The training includes how to take care of a bar, preparing and mixing cocktails and providing links between kitchen and bar.

The students upon completion of the courses are allowed to do follow-ups on areas such as front office, housekeeping, bar tendering and restaurant. Persons in the community who are under-employed or unemployed are encouraged to contact the department affairs with an identification card and register to attend these courses.