KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Overseas Employment Programme is being diversified to include highly qualified and skilled workers.

The ministry says that since the beginning of December 2016 it has been actively recruiting Information Technology (IT) specialists to work in North America as part of a pilot programme being undertaken in partnership with the Jamaican Diaspora in the United States of America.

Speaking to the first batch of farm-workers, who will leave for Canada on January 4, Minister of Labour and Social Security Shahine Robinson said that the ministry is grateful for the partnership and hopes that the pilot programme will be a success.

“With the increasing application of technology in practically all facets of our lives today, the opportunity to access more forms of employment through the use of technology is on the rise,” she said.

Interested people are required to have computer science degrees and a minimum of three years working experience in the field of computer science.

In addition, the minister said that the ministry is also seeking candidates to fill positions at a prominent company that provides operational support at the US Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Robinson emphasised that the candidates should be qualified and possess necessary certification to capitalise on these opportunities.

 “In this globalised world, it is critical that our young people, in particular, equip themselves with the necessary education and training to take advantage of employment offerings which will put them on a prosperous pathway,” she said.

Information on these jobs can be found on the Ministry’s Labour Market Information System website.