Job Fair Set to Boost Job Creation and Employment Networks

Source: Vientiane Times

The organising committee of the “Ready 4 Work” Fair 2023 to be held from March 27-29 at the Vientiane Center is expecting a large number of participants including job seekers, employers, and educators at vocational training schools.  

The event aims to raise productivity in agriculture, industry, service, and other important sectors and will be organised by the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and the Lao Federation of Trade Unions.

A press conference took place on Friday at the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by LNCCI Vice President Dr. Xaybandith Rasphone, Director General of the Vocational Education Department, Ministry of Education and Sports Mr. Nouphanh Outsa, Director General of the Labour Protection Department of the Lao Federation of Trade Unions Ms. Chanpheng Maniseng, and Deputy Director of the Labour Skills Development Institute of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Mr. Bounyong Keobuaphan. Representatives of event-sponsoring companies were also present.

Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Xaybandith said “The job fair will summarise the labour needs of businesses and look at ways to improve the provision of training by businesses, with the aim of improving skills and experience in the implementation of actual work duties.”

The fair will provide a platform for recent graduates, employers, educators, businesses, and associated groups to share information about employment opportunities, the job market, and the skills required of job seekers, as well as how people should prepare before applying for a job.

“Generally speaking, it will be a forum for employers, students, and educators to meet and discuss the various requirements for job providers, the best ways that job seekers should prepare themselves for an interview, and the duties of the education sector, especially vocational and technical training institutions,” Dr. Xaybandith said.

There will also be a congratulatory and award presentation ceremony for labour units and businesses that have contributed to education and skill development and made attempts to produce better quality workers.

The fair will also emphasise the need to improve teaching and learning at vocational and professional training schools.

Business operators and workers will share their views and experiences, job vacancies will be advertised, and guidance will be given on ways to strengthen the skills of workers and the responsibilities of employers.

In addition, it will allow recent graduates to learn important facts before entering the job market and provide them with useful information about job recruitment.
The fair will feature discussions and training sessions aimed at inspiring job seekers, while trainers from four educational institutions will be on hand to discuss training opportunities.

The teaching and learning techniques used at the Dual Cooperative Training Service Centre will also be explained.

There will be demonstrations of specialised job skills, a job skills contest, and other interesting events.

More than 40 booths will be set up by various businesses, especially hotels, and restaurants.

The Ministry of Education and Sports is encouraging more young people to enroll in vocational colleges where they can learn practical skills in a shorter period of time compared to studying for four to five years at a university. Employers also prefer to hire people who are already skilled in a particular trade.