Career kit to help PMET casualties

THE job sector has claimed its fair share of casualties in recent months. Professionals, managers, executives and technicians, or PMETs, in particular, have had plenty to worry about.

Since last November, the North East Community Development Council (CDC) has noted a fivefold jump in the number of PMETs seeking employment assistance - from an average of 40 a month to 200 now.

PMETs now form close to a quarter, or 23 per cent, of all retrenched Singaporeans.

In response, the North East CDC and the Workforce Development Agency have published a career kit targeted at helping this group with their job search.

The 19-page handbook offers job search tips, advice and a one-stop directory for online job portals and search firms.

It was launched yesterday at Tampines North Community Centre, during the bi-monthly Head Hunters Programme organised by the North East CDC.

During the programme, participating PMETs are interviewed by job firms for potential employment positions, and are also given the opportunity to network with their peers.

Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Mayor of North East District, was the guest of honour at the launch.

Speaking of these challenging times for PMETs, Mr Zainul said: 'The challenge now is to ensure that we have enough jobs, and to keep our people employed.'

Ms Brenda Lim, North East CDC's centre manager added that the kit is a way to place job seekers on the right path.

'Hopefully, with this book, more professionals will be more focused and guided in their job search.'

Former IT consultant Melvin Tan agreed. The 39-year-old was retrenched last August, and received a copy of the kit yesterday.

'It contains really useful tips,' he said. 'For one, I now know that my cover letter and resume need a total overhaul.'

Mr Zainul added that this partnership between job seekers and agencies is a 'potent combination'.

'That way we can not only help them, but also help them help themselves.'

The career kit will be available to the public at all five CDCs by next Friday. A soft copy of the kit will also be available at www.northeastcdc.org.sg

- The Straits Times