e2i and WDA embark on recruitment drive for ION Orchard
6 May 2009
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
1. The extensive recruitment exercise for the 3,000 jobs vacancies in the ION Orchard shopping mall has kicked off with a search to immediately fill up to 1,500 positions in today’s initial recruitment phase. About 20 per cent of the 1,500 positions are suitable for professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs ) and fresh graduates. Of the 1,500 vacancies, some 70 per cent will be for retail positions and 30 per cent will be in the food and beverage sector.
2. Under the partnership with the National Trades Union Congress’ (NTUC) e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), Orchard Turn Developments Pte Ltd would gather the manpower requirements of its tenants, and facilitate the recruitment process. e2i’s role is to outreach to the public, invite interested jobseekers to attend the Job Fairs. At the Job Fair, the e2i Employability Coaches will identify suitable job seekers who possess the right aptitude for the jobs, and enroll them for suitable training to acquire relevant skills.
3. The tripartite collaboration also extends to efforts to enhance local workers’ customer service skills and to boost the overall image and professionalism of Singapore’s service industry. The partners will be providing successful candidates with the Certified Service Professional (CSP) training developed by WDA. The training programme will cover service quality, etiquette, grooming and interpersonal skills to further enhance their service competency prior to their employment by ION Orchard. It is recommended for all successful candidates hired through the recruitment initiative.
4. “The opening of ION Orchard will create many new employment opportunities and through our partnership with the WDA and e2i we are confident that we can fulfil our goal in raising the bar in service standards within Singapore’s retail sector. Through WDA and e2i’s customised screening process and specially designed training programme, we can identify individuals with the right aptitude and relevant skill sets to fill over 3,000 positions for both ION Orchard and our tenants. They will be well prepared to deliver the desired level of service envisioned for the mall,” said Ms Soon Su Lin, Chief Executive Officer of Orchard Turn Developments Pte Ltd.
5. To further boost service delivery, ION Orchard’s tenants are also encouraged to take on specific retail service training under the national Retail Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) framework, such as Sell Product and Services and Interact with Customer under the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (SPUR). Retailers such as Wing Tai Retail and the SWATCH Group have already adopted these programmes.
6. Shortlisted candidates will be scheduled to interact with their prospective employers of ION Orchard at a series of networking sessions organised by ION Orchard from 14 to 17 May 2009.
7. Job seekers who are looking for a career in the retail or food and beverage sector may register online via www.e2i.com.sg/events_ION Orchard/ or call the e2i hotline at 6474 3777 from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, Mondays to Fridays. Registration closes on 7 May 2009.
