THE PLACEMENT Unit of the University of the West Indies is sending an urgent call to companies who have downsized their summer employment programme, leaving thousands with nothing to do, to reconsider employing more students this year.
The two to three month holiday should be productively spent, says Merritt Henry, Head of the University Placement unit.
Both the private and public sector have significantly reduced the number of students used in summer employment. "Even the ones who still employ now restrict this to the children of their own employees. Students without these 'contacts' are likely to end up spending the summer at home.
"Students are getting into trouble, finding other things to do in communities and in the street-side. They are sleeping long hours, reducing the work ethic. Even if what they find to do is only voluntary work students can gain experience," Mrs. Henry said, stating that she was calling on the on the private sector to facilitate these needs where possible.
For Jamaican students the summer holidays fall somewhere between June and the ending of August.
Summer employment is the student's main means of gaining remedial work experience.
Employees themselves often complain that graduates have no work experience. Summer employment is therefore a good way of remedying this. The summer months spent on the job is also facilitates the acquiring of work ethics and the correct way of dressing for work. Students also learn interpersonal skills which will not be developed in the classroom. They also learn to do team work and problem solving.
Summer employment is one means of earning funds to cover some of the expenses of the new school year.
Student Guide Advice from the Placement unit is that students should be aware of the organisations which are the ones most likely to employ and send in your application early.
(should be in by this, if not do so before the and of May) Know how to write a simple resume and a cover letter. Get a proper listing of the companies and the contact person in each who is responsible for recruiting. Research is a big user of summer talent. Companies, aware that cheap student labour well be available at this time, do market surveys in this period. There are also summer camps where cooks, guides, and other supervisory assistance for younger children is needed.
Although teachers are now primarily the ones employed in summer schools, there might be some vacancies here.
More and more Jamaican students are accessing summer employment opportunities in Canada, the United States and Europe through the JOYST and other programmes.
A first resort for students at the tertiary level is the Placement Office on your campus. Often, the institution solicits summer jobs on students' behalf.
Some take pains to match the jobs to students particular area of expertise. Register early with the Placement Office and keep checking the notice boards for new openings as they are posted.
