Page 63 - MENDAKI Annual Report 2020

63 One of the initiatives that required re-strategising was ACE IT! – a framework that MENDAKI SENSE Career Advisors use as a guide to assist our jobseekers. The ACE IT! Framework involves analysing the jobseekers’ strengths and interests, then connecting them with the necessary upskilling or job opportunity to reach their end goal of securing a job. Normi also shared that ACE IT! was not the only aspect that needed adapting. The physical career fairs also went virtual, where jobseekers can search for the various jobs available and conduct interview sessions online. SENSE-led upskilling courses were also conducted virtually. Through a collaboration with FindJobs, a Malay version of the App called Cari Kerja was also developed. The app was indeed useful in providing jobseekers quick access to available jobs and training opportunities as well as virtual career fairs. As of 31 December 2020, more than 30,000 downloads were made via the Cari Kerja App. Although adapting to the virtual methods were tough for some of the participants, Normi shared that they were glad to see many jobseekers accessing their services online. Together with her colleagues, Normi continued lending a virtual helping hand to workers and jobseekers affected by the pandemic. With determination comes positive outcomes and one such case is a jobseeker only known as Ms Z (not her real name). Retrenched f rom her previous job during an organisational restructuring, Ms Z began submitting multiple job applications via online portals and attended several interviews. However, her efforts did not bear fruit, until assistance was rendered by Normi. “Thinking back on this case – I recalled how determined she was to keep trying to secure a job despite the many rejections. Her resilience inspired me to do my best. I helped to match her profile with the industries in my list. I also made several referrals to the hiring employers in the security industry. She was eventually offered the role of a security officer. I was really glad that I was able to help secure a job for her. The appreciation she showed afterwards made me realised why we persevered during these challenging times; to help others in need,” shared Normi. MENDAKI ANNUAL REPORT 2020