PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Veronica Webster-Jansen, is pleased to share preliminary insights from the highly successful National Job Fair 2024, which showcased St. Maarten’s commitment to fostering employment opportunities and bridging the gap between job seekers and employers.
The event, held earlier this month, saw the participation of **43 companies** and offered an impressive **750+ vacancies** to prospective job seekers. Approximately **500 attendees** engaged in a day of networking, interviews, and career development.
**Initial Feedback and Response Rate**
Out of the 500 job seekers who attended, **222 completed feedback forms**, yielding a **44.4% response rate**. The data, though preliminary, provides valuable insights into the job fair's impact. Further comprehensive data collection from participating companies is expected to conclude by early December, offering a more detailed analysis.
**Key Highlights**
- **Job Seeker Experience and Employer Impact:**
- **82.9%** of respondents participated in interviews with up to five companies during the event.
- **39.2%** of job seekers, equating to **87 individuals**, received job offers on the spot, showcasing the event’s immediate success in connecting talent with opportunities.
- An overwhelming **99.1% of attendees** expressed satisfaction with the job fair’s organization and structure.
Minister Webster-Jansen highlighted the importance of these results, stating, *“The National Job Fair 2024 was a testament to our commitment to reducing unemployment and fostering economic growth in St. Maarten. We are thrilled by the positive feedback and the tangible connections made between job seekers and employers.”*
The Ministry of VSA extends its gratitude to all participating companies, attendees, and partners, including the NESC, whose collaboration was instrumental in the event’s success. The Ministry remains committed to supporting job creation and workforce development initiatives that empower St. Maarten’s residents and strengthen the local economy.
