Labor undergoes training to enhance employment services

The CNMI Department of Labor’s Division of Employment Services recently underwent training to improve services to job applicants.

According to Labor Secretary Vicky Benavente, the training focused on various methods of screening job applicants and using an intuitive approach throughout the interview process by the Division of Employment Services.

“The job market is constantly evolving, and adapting to these new methods helps the division prepare and address labor needs. We discussed the importance of observing body language, attitudes, and presentation of self during the screening and interviewing process as well as making compatible job referrals,” Benavente said.

She noted that learning the perspective of employers during intake of referrals made by the DES is a vital consideration for not only the labor pool, but as an outlook on the economy.

The division has also started a process of tracking job applicants after they have been hired, said Eugene Tebuteb, the director of Employment Services.

“We understand that further assisting employees at the start of their new job and encouraging them in developing their skills and career path is necessary. Part of the training includes communicating with employers regarding potential setbacks. This is the reality and we are honing on this holistic but data-driven approach [that] fosters collaboration and contributes to economic growth, while increasing access to quality training and long-term employment outcomes,” Tebuteb said.

Building on the need for workforce development, Benavente said this training helps to identify barriers for key industries in the Commonwealth and the needed modifications for employment services.

“Essentially, effective employment services rely on a strong understanding of human resources. By seeking collaboration with employers to identify…the nature of jobs and the intricacies of the job itself, we are committing to the long-term product of employment services. Focusing on this practical application, as well as Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines produces a better workforce that is enhanced by better employment practices throughout our Commonwealth,” Benavente said.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said that enhancing employment services is one of many ways to address employment accessibility gaps and mitigate turnover rates.

“Last month when the CNMI Workforce Development Board convened, I knew that this strong collaboration among our key industries would provide reliable information and resources to strengthen innovation in our workforce and opportunities for growth. This is all part of adapting to and improving our labor pool. At the end of the day, these workforce development activities, policies, and practices renew our commitment to building a resilient workforce from the ground up,” Torres said. (PR)