More than 10 carpenters from Samoa have been accepted to work in New Zealand under the Ministry of Business Enterprises Innovation and Employment programme.

This was according to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labor, Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling to the media recently. 

“The Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labor in partnership with the Ministry of Business Enterprises Innovation and Employment in New Zealand are currently coordinating the recruitment of carpenters and also hammer hands from Samoa."

“Last month representative from the Ministry of Business in New Zealand three employers came to Samoa to start the process and total of 26 applicants were assessed and the assessment includes practical exercise as well as the interview so we are now waiting for the outcome of that first assessment."

“However, we have informally been advised that more than ten have been successful so we are waiting for the final process and hopefully we will get more than ten,” he said.

However, Pulotu said the second phase is in the process and have already been started and an employer and a representative from the Ministry of Enterprises are in Samoa to continue with the recruitment process. 

“A total of 26 applicants have also been shortlisted to be assessed. In terms of the process we did some public advertisement inviting carpenters and also hammer hands to apply so we sort of compile the applications and sent it back to New Zealand and the shortlisting is done in New Zealand based on the information that is provided with their CV’, application and other important documents. So we are very hopeful that more of our people in this industry will get the opportunity to be employed in New Zealand or Australia.”

He also said that the Pacific Labor Mobility Programme is also in progress and a memorandum of understanding is currently being finalised to formalise the arrangement between Samoa and Australia. 

“This will also open opportunities in constructions as well as other non-seasonal sectors. Again we are very hopeful that this will be a good step ahead and more opportunities for our people to get employment opportunities overseas.”