More than 11,000 people applied online on the first day of the National Recruitment Drive 2025, Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John confirmed.
“The thing has started, and we are now live,” she said, adding that the Couva Cycling Centre is providing in-person assistance for those needing help completing their applications.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar highlighted the initiative on social media, sharing a post from the newly launched T&T Job Recruitment Facebook page, created on October 16. The drive offers over 20,000 positions across Trinidad and Tobago, ranging from skilled trades to administrative roles.
“Whether you’re a labourer, driver, electrician, plumber, clerk, or just starting out, there’s a place for YOU,” the Prime Minister’s post said.
Phase one of the drive focuses on public service vacancies, while phase two will target the private sector.
“This is phase one where you start with the vacancies in the public service, and then phase two will be the private sector,” Minister John explained.
Applications for phase one are open until Friday, with interviews scheduled to follow.
Among the early applicants was Samantha Brown from Chaguanas, who said she previously worked as a security officer at Mahogany Compound.
“I’m now applying for female labourer work. Yes, I’m hopeful to get a government job,” she said.
The recruitment drive forms part of the government’s broader strategy to replace programmes such as CEPEP and the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) with full-time, better-paid employment opportunities.
In his 2026 Budget presentation on Monday, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced an Employment Fund of $475 million, supported by $310 million from the Unemployment Fund, to support the initiative. He said the measures are intended to end what he described as “state funding of criminal gangs” while creating meaningful, sustainable jobs.
Applicants can register online at EmployTT.gov.tt or attend recruitment events held nationwide.