PHOTO: Official of ArcelorMittal Liberia and some local leaders of the county
By Emmanuel Mafelah, Bong County Correspondent
GBARNGA, Liberia- In a move to equip Liberians youth with the necessary technical knowledge and skills in order to take on future opportunities in the country’s mining sector, ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has launched massive recruitment of Liberian youths around the country.
AML is part of the ArcelorMittal group, the world’s leading steel and mining company and the leader in all major steel markets such as construction, domestic appliances, packaging, and automotive.
ArcelorMittal Liberia Ltd. was created in 2006, when a 25-year Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) to mine iron ore was signed between the Government of Liberia and ArcelorMittal.
Speaking in an interview with Journalists at the Gbarnga Administrative Building, Bong County recently the launching ceremony of AML youth recruitment, the Superintendent for recruitment at AML, Earnest P. Ricks said iron ore mining company’s bulk recruitment of Liberians is intended to be trained and employed at the entity.
According to Mr. Ricks, those who will be recruited will go through a period of training as process operators, after which they will have the opportunity to be enrolled as full-time employees with ArcelorMittal Liberia.
The AML official is encouraging youths of Bong County to take advantage of the company’s Apprenticeship and job training program.
Mr. Ricks at the same time emphasized that the recruitment process will be fair and transparent based on facts provided by authorities of the three counties.
He said special preference will be given to residents of AML communities of impact in the three counties namely: Bong, Nimba, and Grand Bassa where the company operates.
Additionally, Superintendent Ricks told the gathering that the company is recruiting 250 (two hundred and fifty) Liberian youths from the three counties of its operation.
He said to enroll in the program, all applicants will go through a basic assessment to ensure that they meet the minimum requirements to complete the training program.
The AML official said that the basic requirements to enroll in the program include Proof of Liberian citizenship, minimum high school qualification, the age range of 18-40 years, and physical fitness amongst others.
The targeted 250 candidates that will be recruited will be enrolled at the ArcelorMittal Liberia Training Academy (AMLTA) in Yekepa while the rest will continue in the Learnership program.
The AML Superintendent for Recruitment also said his team will be placed in four sites of Bong County’s seven political Districts.
“Investing in the training of young Liberians, especially in the technical fields is aligned with ArcelorMittal Liberia’s strategic business objectives and supports Pillar Two of the government’s Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development on Economy and Jobs. And we are grateful that this exercise is being launched here today,” Mr. Ricks explained.
For his part, the Administrative Assistant to Bong County Superintendent, (Esther Y. Walker) Josephus Dormyan, lauded the management of AML for the opportunity provided to the people.
Mr. Dormyan also praised the company for their continual supports to the County development.
He then, on behalf of Superintendent Walker encouraged youths of the County to take advantage of the opportunity provided them by AML, describing it as a new day in the life of the young people.
In a remark, Thomas S. Kolleh, the Assistant Chairman of the Bong Youth Caucus praised the management of AML for the level of work done in the Country.
The Bong County Youth Caucus Assistant Chairman further described the recruitment and training processes of the young people as a big boost for Liberia’s development.
Also speak at the launching ceremony was the Ministry of Youth And Sports County Coordinator, (Bong County) Jutomue D. Mulbah, who extended commendations the management of AML for the opportunity being provided for the young people of Liberia.