Women-focused career fair offers over 200 jobs
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Mr Desmond Choo (second from right), Mayor of North East District, and Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Yeo Wan Ling (right) at a booth at the Career Options and Opportunities Job Fair on Friday.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Deepa Sundar
Follow topic:
More than 200 jobs from progressive employers are available for women looking to pursue careers alongside caregiving responsibilities.
The Career Options and Opportunities Job Fair is jointly organised by the Women and Family Unit of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), North East Community Development Council and Punggol Shore Division, in celebration of International Women's Month.
It was held at Oasis Terraces in Punggol on Friday, and continues online till April 8.
Kenko Wellness was one of over 30 employers participating in the fair. Its general manager Alvin Koh, 43, said Kenko took part as the company had plans to open new outlets and it had training opportunities that aligned with the interests of the job fair.
"Women may have more time after their kids get older, but need that first step to reintegrate into the workforce," said Mr Koh.
The fair offers positions as engineers, food and beverage service crew and human resource executives, among others.
More than half of the job vacancies at the fair offer flexible working arrangements.
The fair also includes SkillsFuture Advice workshops, as well as career coaching and upskilling opportunities to support women in enhancing their employability.
Madam Jean Soh, 45, attended the career coaching session and applied for a human resource executive position at KSC Consultants.
She used to work as an accountant but left in 2011 when she was pregnant. "I realised I still have at least 20 working years ahead and I wanted to put my education and work experience to good use," said Madam Soh.
Ms Yeo Wan Ling, Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP and director of the NTUC Women and Family Unit, was at the job fair. She said: "In encouraging women to stay or return to the workforce, we must look at more holistic support and remove caregiving as a barrier to them pursuing careers of their choice."
Mr Desmond Choo, Mayor of North East District, who was also present, added that the job fair addresses the needs of the community, especially during the pandemic.
"We have heard more families and female residents expressing their concerns and need for supplementary income to support their household, in light of affected employment amid recovery from the impact of Covid-19," said Mr Choo.
Those interested in visiting the virtual career fair can register at info.findjobs.com.sg/vcf/necdc-jobfair-mar-2021
