In a move to outsource part of its Ready2Work programme, the government has issued a request for proposals to run the employee-training workshops for Caymanian job-seekers.
Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman, in response to Cayman Compass queries on the RFP which was posted on the government procurement portal Bonfire, said the decision was made to outsource as “the administrative support needed has increased”.
WORC told the Compass, in an emailed statement, that it is looking for help with the first section of the three-phase programme, which consists of two weeks of soft skills training workshops “such that it can use its in-house expertise to progress phases 2 and 3” which offer “more one-on-one engagement with clients who demonstrate they are prepared to take advantage of opportunities that will not just offer them permanent job placement but also identification of career pathways where they can grow.”
The RFP closes on 8 March.
Phase 1 of the programme includes half-day workshops on nine subject areas including building positive relationships, overcoming communication barriers, active listening, creating a positive first impression, getting along in the workplace, interview skills and customer service.
WORC added that group counselling is also offered as part of this training.
The last Ready2Work cohort took part in the 7-18 Nov. sessions.
WORC said 10 people confirmed that they would be attending in November but only four participated and completed the training.
In comparison, in October nine confirmed attendance but 13 actually took part and 11 finished the programme.
“It really does depend on what is going on in our clients’ lives and how they prioritize those competing demands for their time,” WORC said. “Most of our participants for training and development come to us because they have seen our training lineup and wish to participate so as to make themselves more marketable and increase their chances of better employment.”
It added that not every participant is a previously registered client of WORC.
“Some have just registered with the department of WORC to attend a course and as such we have no background knowledge or history with them. Goal-setting and decision-making strategies are included in this programme. Deciding to follow through with one’s attendance is in the pre-stage of their participating in our programmes,” it explained.
The target market is adults aged 18 and over who are unemployed or underemployed (working fewer than 30 hours per week) and wish to receive instruction in and explore the soft skill topics on offer, WORC explained.
The programme, which commenced under the previous Alden McLaughlin-led administration, was relaunched in 2020 after the tourism industry took the hardest hit when the COVID-19 restrictions kicked in.
WORC said the programme has been “very well-received” in the community.
“People are looking forward to the date of its next offer,” it said.
WORC said 86 participants completed the programme in 2022 out of the 93 people who attended during that period; of those, 19 were men and 67 were women.
From that group, 46 found employment, WORC said, adding, “We continue to track the 40 who did not find employment.”
Areas of employment for participants include sales and retail, administration, accommodation, hospitality (restaurant, food delivery etc), government, security services (private sector) and property maintenance.
Related Videos
