Published: 5/12/2011 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
The Department of Employment will overhaul its job placement service to better match new university graduates with relevant positions during the post-flood period.
As the flood crisis _ which paralysed many provinces, including parts of Bangkok, in October and November _ has raised worries over possible difficulties facing applicants, the department is concerned some may not even get jobs despite many available vacancies.
Department chief Prawit Khiangphon said so far there are about 130,000 jobs in its database, but many jobseekers, especially new graduates, have failed to meet companies' demands because of a lack of qualifications.
He said the problem can be solved by "restructuring the whole job placement system" to ensure employers find the right employees, and vice versa.
The restructuring includes improving online job placement facilities and working with universities to guide students while on their academic programmes so that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills desired by the labour market upon graduation. The first six provincial employment offices will be improved under the plan next year, said Mr Prawit. He added the department has yet to choose the first batch of six provincial employment offices.
Mr Prawit said that the employment offices must oversee provinces with strong economies, numerous universities and many companies.
Meanwhile, he added, the department will also hold frequent job fairs to enable employers to meet prospective employees.
The department has asked the government for 16 million baht to fund job fares at least once a month in Bangkok and elsewhere.
