The gleaner today reported on the mass exodus of skilled technicians and truck drives connected with the Port here in Jamaica. I was aghast to read of equipment being allowed run to a wreck because we have no skilled/trained technicians to deal with their maintenance.
Blame is being laid squarely at the feet of the Canadian recruiters who we are told are aggressive in their recruitment process and who are responsible for many of these folks leaving.
I once again reflected on how our management folks thinks in Jamaica and said to myself, why is it so difficult for so many of our Jamaican managers to see opportunities vs obstacles. Given the current situation, how difficult it would to offer opportunities to the hundreds of folks leaving school today, who have no job prospects.
What would it take for the KCT management to work with institution like heart to create a program (if one does not already exist) to train high quality skilled folks who can be technician , mechanics electricians and who can then go into KCT who will then provide the additional training for the specific task required.
What would it take for KCT to for example work with the JUTC to teach some of these youngsters to drive heavy equipment at their driving training center and KCT donates one of its larger equipment eg a trailer to be used to further develop the skills required for the country?
The problem we have in this country is too many of our management folks are not willing to do anything or any work required to get their companies to move forward. Too many of our managers in Jamaica are not willing to spend money on training and development as according to them, once the persons have been trained they move to greener pastures. From where I sit it does not take a rocket scientist to tell me that if I am losing highly skilled and highly valued employees, then I need to do more to keep them, rather than stop training them for fear of losing them.
Jamaican managers don’t think twice about buying high end SUV with all the options and trimmings to decorate their parking lot and driveways , while becoming a part of the social circle on the weekends. Yet these very SOB’s will complain bitterly about spending a few thousand dollars investing in their most valuable assets ie the people. Why is this the case?
I will say to KCT and other who are having an issue with mass migration, get up off your hunches and do something. Start a recruitment process, stage a job fair, invite young person in and show them the many opportunities that exist. As part of the job fair invite heart and any other training institution in and give the youngsters a chance to exhale.
This Canadian program has created a great opportunity for us to also train persons who can then go away on the program and who will in turn repatriate funds to Jamaica, so its a win win situation for the country.
So instead of sitting and complaining let’s grab the opportunity presented here, with both hands right now, because these do not come around very often.
Credits for some parts to – Jamaica Gleaner
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130815/lead/lead1.html
Filed under: Jobs, Public Information |
Warren's Blog 
Jay, you hit the nail on the head! There is little emphasis placed on Human Resource Development in this Country. Added to this is the value they place on their employees efforts. The simple equation that ensures employee loyalty is Healthy Work Environment +
Adequate Tools to perform Job + Remuneration consistent with the effort and contribution in meeting the objectives of the Organization. I always find it amazing that “cash strapped” entities find money to purchase expensive vehicles for “managers” that are parked for more than 10 hrs for the day are the same ones that deny their employees a liveable wage. We need to start recognizing that a motor vehicle is a tool and not an appendage to a profiling position. Based on the performances of many, a Suzuki Alto would do just fine.
Sam A diss u a try diss we managers them aout Suzuki Alto , a weh u tek man fah u nuh know seh man haffi profile. DWL
I was once part of an organization where a senior manager refused to offer his staff what I considered to be a reasonable increase and those negotiations went on for close to a year.
The wage package was settled and on Monday morning, every manager had a brand new SUV in the parking lot, total cost of SUV’s $12m Now add insurance cost of approx $1.2m per annum and gas bill of $32,000 per wk , plus maintenance cost and you see where I am headed.
BTW did you notice that sales of luxury car Audi, was the highest last yr and based on sales this year it will surpass next yr figure !
Amazing for a country in economic ruins, that is what you call a paradox !
It is simple my Brother. The status quo benefits tremendously from the current state of affairs so in their world it is Jamaica, “no problem man”. Bear in mind that ATL is vertically integrated just like Lascelles and others so they can benefit tremendously from sales to sister companies. Actually, quite a few entities here are like that which allow us mortals to fight over the crumbs.