Schools churning out surplus caregivers

Tall, strong and handsome, Carlos possesses the qualities for a successful caregiving job in Canada.

But just like thousands of Filipino caregiving graduates from the various institutions accredited by the government, his dream of earning dollars to enhance his family's standard of living is yet beyond fulfillment.

Although Carlos also finished a two-year programming course in one of the computer schools in the country, he found out that landing a job is getting more difficult, considering the increasing number of college graduates each year.

Carlos‚ plight typifies the current scenario wherein the supply outpaces the demand for caregivers.

While training institutions continue to reap big profits the continuous promise of lucrative markets, thousands of ambitious caregivers are hoping that they could land a lucrative job abroad.

According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Philippine caregiving institutions have produced more graduates than what the overseas market could absorb.

POEA records indicated that for the first quarter of this year, the number of job vacancies for caregivers only totaled to about 4,000. Israel topped the countries with the most vacancies, followed by the United States, Canada and China.

In a few years, Japan, whose aging population is beginning to manifest concern for its government, is another potential market for caregivers and nurses.

For a breakdown, Israel needs at least 2,811 caregivers, or 76.8 percent of the total figures.
This is followed by the US with 358 vacancies; Canada, 230; China, 150; Ireland, 67; United Kingdom, 40 and Taiwan, 3.