Guyanese manpower services provider Strategic Recruitment Solutions Inc. (SRS) on Monday concluded its second batch of training with the MATPAL Marine Institute. Eight candidates participated from various sectors and were screened and selected to complete the 7-day International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping of Seafarers (STCW) 2010.
STCW training is mandatory for seafarers around the world. Given the high qualifications needed for the world’s seafarers, maritime training schools seek to ensure their students undergo training that will equip them with skills demanded by the fast-growing industry.
Chief Executive Officer of SRS, Kerri Gravesande -Bart explained that SRS focuses primarily on creating industry linkages, using talent mapping strategies as part of its capacity building and local content strategy.
She added, “Talent mapping helps to evaluate the readiness and performance of Guyana’s current workforce against the changes ahead. The goal is to identify high-potential employees whose future development aligns with our strategic priorities. For example, if one of your biggest needs is developing entry level offshore workers and mid-level engineers, which employees have the fundamental skills and interest to pursue that career path? During a talent mapping exercise, you’re looking for a mix of current performance and future growth potential that indicates a long-term match.”
Safety precaution
Careers in the maritime industry are among the most dangerous jobs in the world. Most of the days will be spent on water, in the middle of open seas, prone to accidents and natural disasters. Every seafarer who goes onboard must be equipped with the right skills, including maritime training.
When onboard, all seafarers must rely on are each other—especially in times of need. STCW Training requires aspiring seamen/women to be provided with familiarization training and basic safety training which includes basic firefighting, first aid, personal survival techniques and personal safety, and social responsibility.
Trainee, Rondell Westfield, of Linden, the second largest town in Guyana after Georgetown, said, “it increases an already inert awareness of safety and security by explaining practical knowledge learnt in the mining industry.”
Melissa George, from the restaurant industry noted, “the hands-on approach to safety is mind blowing, we learnt how important personal safety and our social responsibility to safety is a 24/7 requirement.”
Meanwhile, Steven Moses; a trained fitter/machinist, also from the mining Town of Linden, explained, “Understanding and being aware of our environment is the first step to preventing accidents or injury in the workplace, this is my key take away from this training as was my experience in the mining sector.”
Through an “Ethics First” approach – SRS’s mission is to be recognized as the industry leader in all facets of staffing solutions from temporary staffing and permanent placements to managing solution driven engagements, whilst embracing and adapting the UN Global Compact Principles.
Mrs. Gravesande-Bart said talent mapping allows SRS to create a roadmap for succession planning, future recruiting, and employee development initiatives, “understanding what talent is needed to achieve future business growth, makes it’s possible to invest in the right activities today to make that vision a reality tomorrow.”
SRS recently entered a Strategic Partnership Venture (SPV) with Century Tamara Energy Services Inc. (CTES). The partnership will see Guyanese receiving specialized training to work on Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels as well as acquiring skills for a range of positions in the industry.
