Jobseekers from different parts of the country are set to meet potential employers during the sixth edition of the annual job fair dubbed “Job Net.” Organized by the City of Kigali through its employment Centre (KESC), job networking is an initiative designed to tackle unemployment, especially among the young generation. The event connects jobseekers with potential employers. This year’s Job Net will take place on December 6, 2018 at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village in Nyarugenge District. During the event, participating corporate companies and public institutions will interact with jobseekers and share job related information. Jobseekers will have the opportunity to ask questions related to their professions and seek clarity on how to join some of the best employers in the country. This year 100 companies and over 2000 job seekers are expected to participate in the Job fair. Unlike other job fairs that focus on securing employment for jobseekers on the day of the event, Job Net emphasises networking and providing information to the youths related to the job market. Launched in 2014, Job Net has since grown into strong platform, creating 2022 employment opportunities for the youth. The latest edition conducted in 3rd May this year has created employment for 510 youth among 1214 who participated in the event. In 2015, the initiative created employment opportunities for 128 job seekers, 130 in 2016 while in 2017 and May 2018 a total of 297 and 510 jobseekers benefited respectively. According to Alex Bucyana, the Placement and Partnership officer in the City of Kigali (KESC), significant outcomes are expected from the event. Bucyana explained that the initiative has benefited companies and jobseekers alike. For companies, he said, it saves them money and time that would be spent on search for talent through advertisement. It has also raised the profile of participating companies in the eyes of potential employees and other people. Participating in Job Net is also an opportunity for the companies to satisfy their Corporate Social Responsibility and contribute towards the country’s development agenda, Bucyana added. For the local talent, besides creating job opportunities, the event also acts as platform for exchanging information about labour market. Ahead of the event, participants are trained on how to prepare themselves for interviews as well as how to write Curriculum Vitae among other documents required in job applications. Bucyana said: “Job Net creates a bridge between job seekers and Employers. Due to how the initiative is benefiting many, this year we organized two events. The first one took place in May and this December, we are holding the second. Unemployment is an issue that should make us stand-up and find all possible measures to fight it.” In the beginning, it was difficult to understand whether this initiative would be successful and impactful, he said. He added: “Currently, everyone has recognized how important it is to fight the unemployment and accelerate the country’s economic development.” Attending the event is free of charge. However, Jobseekers and employers who wish to attend they have to register themselves with KESC through www.kescjobnet.rw. After registration, jobseekers have the opportunity to undergo free preparation sessions where they are oriented in various disciplines including strategic self -marketing and communication. On other hand; Employers are given free stands where they can showcase their job opportunities or other initiatives that lead to employment promotion. The event is organised by the City of Kigali through its employment Centre (KESC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Service and Labour, Ministry of Youth, National Youth Council and Digital Opportunity Trust Rwanda among other partners include; Inyange Industries, Akilah institute for Women, Tecno Company Ltd, JIBU Rwanda and others.
