Labor ministry launches App to connect skilled workers with jobs

An application designed to connect blue-collar workers with job opportunities across Guyana has been launched, aiming to provide employment for hundreds of individuals nationwide.
A blue-collar worker is someone who performs manual labor or skilled trades.
This app was created in a bid to complement the Job Bank app launched in 2022. This app will provide blue-collar workers with easy access to job opportunities and enable them to showcase their skills. Additionally, it allows employers to showcase available jobs.
At the launch of this app on Tuesday, Labor Minister Joseph Hamilton highlighted how the app will help bridge the gap for skilled workers in remote regions, making it an app with a wider reach than the Job Bank application.
“Skills Connect is a complementary platform to the Job Bank, and it’s another initiative by the government to bring people closer to jobs and jobs closer to people, whilst the Job Bank dealt with potential employees and companies. Skills Connect is wider, whereby you can have one-on-one engagement, so a man looking for a plumber, he can go find a plumber for a short-term job to be done.”

He further stated that it is quite evident to see other ministries such as the Ministry of Health, as they are moving to have medical records stored and digitized similarly to the Education Ministry.
“One of the things I think the Skills Connect would allow for is bridging the skills gap internally and what I mean by that is that you have a situation where, whilst a lot of activity is happening in Region 4 and 5 on the coast, many of the skills that they need might be in the other regions. So, you might find a company looking for a heavy-duty equipment operator, and you have several persons in hinterland regions who have that skill. It would allow for that person to say, ‘This is me, I exist.’”
According to him, they want to, in the shortest possible time, have all agencies, all government facilities, and all ministries having a more systematic and efficient relationship with the public. On that note, he pointed out this app will strengthen job possibilities across all regions. He added that “Skills Connect is wider whereby persons can have one-to-one engagement, so for example, if someone is looking for a plumber, they can go find a plumber for a short-term job.”
“One of the things I think Skills Connect allows for is bridging the skill connection internally and what I mean by that is you have a situation where, whilst a lot of activity is happening in Region 4 and 5 on the coast, many of the skills they need are in Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9. So, you might find a company looking for a heavy-duty operator, and you have several persons in hinterland regions who have that skill. It allows that person to say, ‘This is me, I exist.’”
This, he added, is a step for the private sector in which it is one they will have to take, according to him, as they move into ensuring people are placed in jobs. The question about accommodation for skilled workers is a fundamental issue to this matter.
Meanwhile, Chief Labor Officer Dhaneshwar Deonarine revealed that the app facilitates Spanish-speaking persons.
“The app also has a translation to connect for Spanish… It is designed for blue-collar workers, whether unskilled, semi-skilled, or skilled, to easily access job opportunities and market their skills. Essentially, workers who perform manual labor and are found in manufacturing, mining, and construction, so it’s for those short-term contracts or gigs.”
Individuals interested in signing up for the program need to complete a brief application process, which includes providing their name and email.
Additionally, the app allows users to rate their satisfaction and the performance of clients after securing jobs, helping future users make informed decisions when visiting potential job sites.