AT the end of each academic year, thousands of Jamaica’s young people go on the hunt for summer employment. Educational institutions, as well as private and public sector companies have a responsibility to help them realise success. Career Advisor explores the responsibilities of each player and the spinoffs this week.

The role of educational institutions

Schools must help students to look at creative means of providing their own employment. It may include organising summer camps and summer schools, and using students, where possible, to assist with the various activities.

They also need to liaise with public and private sector organisations to work out planned arrangements for student employment. In addition, they have a duty to prepare students, by way of seminars and workshops, to behave appropriately once they are given the opportunity to pursue employment during the summer. Students should, for example, be taught how to dress professionally and how to interact with others in the workplace. They should also be taught the value of adhering to work place ethics and regulations.

At the same time, schools could organise structured internships and work study programmes during the summer. This would require working closely with organisations to develop planned work and other activities. These, if properly administered, should correlate with requirements for specific programmes and could gain the students credits.

Summer employment when organised by the educational institution should allow for an assessment or evaluation of students’ performance on the job in various areas. Feedback should be provided to the placement officers and work experience officers. Information received can be used to guide the student for further development.

The role of public and private sector

They need to include summer work programmes in their budget, bearing in mind the short term and long term benefits to be gained. They should also work with educational institutions, which are their major sources for recruits. The programme of activities for the summer employee should be well structured so that the summer employee will be gainfully employed.

Government ministries and agencies should also have structured summer programmes. Where they exist, they should ensure the information is adequately disseminated to the relevant organisations, including schools.

Join us next week for details on the benefits of summer employment to the students and the organisation.

Merrit Henry is career counsellor and students services manager at the Placement and Career Services Unit of UWI, Mona. She may be contacted at merrit.henry@uwimona.edu.jm