28,000 Applicants, 1,800 Hired in First National Recruitment Drive

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Caption: Jearlean John. Photo: T&T Parliament

Summary

Over 28,000 applications—including 6,800 for labourer positions—during its first National Recruitment Drive in October 2025.
Following Cabinet approval, 1,801 casual workers were hired from the initial drive and have been deployed since December 2025 to assist with urgent infrastructural interventions.
Phase 2 of the recruitment programme launched on Wednesday at the National Cycling Velodrome, but members of the media were barred from entering, and the Ministry provided no comment on the restriction.

By Prior Beharry

FOLLOWING its first national recruitment drive in October of last year, the Ministry of Works and Transport has officially engaged 1,801 casual workers.

This was revealed to AZP News on Thursday in a statement from the Ministry, responding to questions sent to Minister of Works and Transport Jealean John.

According to the Ministry, the initial National Recruitment Drive—held at the National Cycling Velodrome between October 21 and 24, 2025—drew a massive response from the public. More than 28,000 applications were received, with approximately 6,800 people applying specifically for labourer positions.

“Subsequently, Cabinet granted approval for the engagement of 1,801 casual workers,” the Ministry stated.

It added, “These workers have been on the ground since December 2025, strengthening our field operations, particularly in areas requiring urgent intervention.”

Members of the media were barred from entering the venue for the second recruitment drive, which took place at the Velodrome on Wednesday. AZP News reached out to Minister John regarding the media lockout, but no response was provided on the issue.

Instead, the Ministry’s statement focused on the expansion of its workforce.

“On March 18, 2026, this Ministry launched Phase 2 of the recruitment programme, commencing with the screening of additional workers. The intention is to ensure maximum engagement of workers to expand the scale and pace of work across Trinidad and Tobago,” the Ministry stated.