3rd SHRM grant program: Hotel front desk and admin clerks

  The recent training program for hotel front desk clerks and administrative clerks and receptionist had the largest number of participants yet in the Society for Human Resource Management’s Workforce Readiness Initiative program. The third program sponsored by the Initiative program graduated 21 trainees on June 30, completing a week of job preparation and administrative skills in their efforts to prepare themselves for employment in the CNMI’s private sector.

This group of job seekers, referred by the CNMI Department of Labor and the Workforce Investment Agency, received 40 hours of training during the week of June 27 to June 30, with hotel front desk, receptionist and general administrative clerk skills, plus basic computer and cashiering skills.

“Hotels and private companies all have a need for administrative staff,” said Frank Gibson, Initiative program manager for SHRM. “Many of our trainees had some previous administrative work experience, but some are just entering the workforce. The training they received will give them a better understanding of what to expect on the job and provided some basic skills to make the company’s training and orientation easier and more effective. Most of the trainees are also eligible for support from the WIA Work Experience or On-the-Job-Training Programs.”

“Our trainees are going out to businesses and applying for positions. They will have résumés prepared as part of this program and a certificate of participation. I hope our businesses will recognize the potential of these applicants and give them an opportunity to show their capabilities. They received good solid training from knowledgeable and experienced instructors from the business community. They will all do well,” he added, “ and I urge employers to contact the Initiative office at 233-7476, or me personally, at 287-7476, to arrange for interviews.”

The third Initiative program participants were Stephanie V. Blas, Regina A. Camacho, Zoranelle A. Camacho, Antonia V. Carr, Soledad Castro, Albert DL Guerrero, Polla S. Dulei, Tricia Epel, Kelvin Fitial, Lorenza Iginoef, Joseph A. Imperial, Ramon S. Kaipat, Rebecca T. Lisua, Juanita L. Nekaifes, Fame M. Ngirutoi, Petrus W. Nicky, Mailau P. Pomee, Angelein Rios, James M. Sablan, Daisina Suda, and GinaAnn R. Yaroitemal.

The hotel front desk clerk and administrative clerk program included job preparation classes on job applications and résumés, job interviews, equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment, and employer expectations. Skills training classes were provided on customer service, hotel front desk clerk services, general administrative, receptionist and clerical duties, basic computer, basic cashiering, and telephone answering and workplace etiquette.

Gibson said the success of the program was also due to the professional skills and the interest of the instructors. “I would like to thank the SHRM members, Polly DLG Masga from PIC, Jim Arenovski from Delta Management, Malou Ernest from Tan Holdings, Juan I. Tenorio from the Hafa Adai Beach Hotel, Rosalyn Quinanilla from the Hyatt Regency Saipan, and those from the private sector, Jill Arenovski from Seafix, Inc., Nat Angeles and Soc Nilo Villanueva, also from Tan Holdings, who worked with the participants to prepare them for employment. Special thanks are also owed Francisco Ada Jr., from Triple J, Inc. and Joven Cruz from CTSI Logistics who volunteered their time to assist with mock job interviews. I appreciate the business community’s willing assistance.”

The Workforce Readiness Initiative is funded by a grant awarded to the CNMI SHRM by the U.S. Department of the Interior through the CNMI Department of Commerce in support of the CNMI Economic and Labor Enhancement Program. This initiative started on April 16 with a one-week Warehousing training program and will continue on July 30 with a second program for Warehousing. The program will run Monday through Friday, Aug. 3.

The Workforce Readiness Initiative is for the benefit of unemployed U.S. qualified workers. Qualified individuals who are registered with WIA or the DOL Employment Services should contact those offices and let them know of their interest. Those who are not registered and are interested in joining one of the Initiative programs should immediately register with WIA and express their interest. All interested candidates should sign up with WIA to allow them to help employers with funding of Initiative graduates. Interested individuals can also contact Gibson by e-mail at hrsupportcnmi@gmail.com. This next program will require some previous basic experience or education in accounting or bookkeeping.

Although the Initiative does not guarantee a job for every participant, it will make every effort to get each graduate employed. Several companies have already accepted Initiative graduates and the Initiative will continue to source jobs through its SHRM-member companies and other employers. Companies interested in considering Initiative graduates can also contact Gibson at hrsupportcnmi@gmail.com.

This program is supported by federal funds in the amount of $102,000 under the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs, CNMI Economic and Labor Enhancement Program through a sub-grant award from the CNMI Department of Commerce. (SHRM)