At PEPY our current strategic goal is “to increase the percentage of Kralanh graduates accessing skilled employment”.
When we developed our new strategic direction last year, we made a conscious decision to stop pushing students to learn information which we think is good for them. Instead we have chosen to pull them towards opportunities that they are excited about and helped them to achieve their goals. This leads the scholarship students to connect the dots themselves and in turn greater self-motivation is harnessed. The students are determined to secure skilled future employment when their studies are completed. They see that by securing a good job, they will have greater independence, develop their own skills and benefit their families and the communities from which they come from. Crucially they appreciate the interdependence between employment and education also.
As part of the journey to skilled employment, last week the scholarship students attended a Career Fair in central Siem Reap. This networking event was organized by the National Employment Agency whose role is to facilitate exchanges between job seekers, employees, employers and skill training providers. This Fair was an example of how we strive to pull the students to achieve their goals. It provided an opportunity for the students to gain an appreciation as to the employment opportunities that exist for them in the near future. Several companies had stalls which showcased their work. The financial, tourism, electronic and education sectors were all heavily represented.
Employee representatives from a wealth of different backgrounds were there too. They spoke to the students on a one to one or group basis. The students inquired about issues such as terms and conditions of employment, the applications process, CV writing and necessary skills and qualifications required for particular posts.
By attending events such as the Career Fair the students acquire an appreciation for the employment market and the requirements needed to secure skilled employment. The journey from university or vocational education to employment can be a challenging one. Knowing the market and seeking suitable employment to match skills isn’t easy. Knowing the market and seeking suitable employment to match skills isn’t easy, which makes events such as the Career Fair a tremendous benefit.
”It was great to see the job opportunities that exist especially in the private companies. I got a lot of information on how to find a job”.
Savoeng, PEPY scholarship student
“I found it very good. I got some information on how to fill out an application form and this will help to do this better than before”.
Serey, PEPY scholarship student