From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Grand Bahama
Government employment initiative to create 220 jobs for Bahamians on MSC cruise ships
By Melissa Forbes
Apr 17, 2017 - 11:20:52 AM

MSC-vessel.jpeg
Freeport, Bahamas - The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), in conjunction with the government of The Bahamas, has committed to invest in the local training and hiring of a total of two hundred and twenty (220) Bahamian crew members this year.

This initiative is in alignment with the government’s commitment to double its investment in education and training, increase the presence of Bahamians in the cruise line industry, and create employment opportunities for Grand Bahamians.  The government’s intent, through this joint venture, is to generate new investments in the tourism, shipping and maritime education sectors of the Bahamian economy, thereby helping to re-shape economic and human resource development in the country.

MSC Shipping Limited (current partner of the Hutchison Group of Companies in Freeport and sister-company of MSC Cruises) is the second largest container carrier in the world and biggest privately owned cruise line in the world. With a total of twelve (12) cruise ships in its fleet, (in addition to 480 cargo vessels), a presence in forty-five (45) countries and with sixteen thousand (16,000) current employees, MSC Cruises is the market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa.

In conjunction with the government, MSC has already begun developments in The Bahamas, particularly in Grand Bahama. Notably, the expansion of the Freeport Container Port, one of MSC’s most active hubs, is presently underway. MSC has committed to contribute to the financing of the Phase V expansion, which will lead to an increase of capacity at the port, and ultimately provide further business, entrepreneurial and employment opportunities on the island of Grand Bahama.

Additionally, this past January, the government and MSC broke ground in Ocean Cay. The site is expected to undergo a two hundred million dollar ($200,000,000.00) transformation into a cruise port, boutique hotel, marine park and Bahamian cultural and entertainment hub, providing jobs related to construction and cay operations.  MSC’s investments are expected to strengthen Bahamian entrepreneurial development through the offer of financing of construction and equipment in respect of restaurants, retail shops, water sports, entertainment and attractions; to be operated primarily by Bahamians.

Presently, there is a need for crew members on board MSC cruise ships, globally, in the areas of Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Entertainment, Crew Cleaning and the Photo Shop. Hence, the creation of the cruise ship employment initiative.  Through collaboration with MSC, the government has fulfilled its promise to the Bahamian people to deepen partnerships with cruise lines, and thereby increase opportunities for Bahamians in the cruise business.

Thus far, MSC expert trainers have already invited local representatives on board an MSC vessel to undergo training as per MSC’s standards. In turn, these select trainers from the National Training Agency will be equipped to conduct workplace preparation courses for potential candidates as well as further training in the areas of basic safety, hospitality and pre-embarkation, which will all take place in MSC’s training facility on Grand Bahama Island.

Bahamians interested in employment opportunities on board MSC cruise ships should submit their cover letters and resumes to MSC at bahamiancareers@gmail.com on or before April 28th, 2017. Applicants must be at least twenty two (22) years old, and possess a minimum of four years of experience in the hospitality industry and/or food and beverage. Persons who have undergone the STCW training should submit these certificates in addition to their resume. All documents should be sent as attachments. Pictures of documents embedded in the body of an email will not be accepted.  Potential candidates will be pre-screened and invited to a presentation and subsequent interview with MSC next month.

Grand Bahamians are invited to take full advantage of these new training and employment  opportunities.



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