From Autocad to Arabic: Embassy rolls out diverse training portfolio for OFWs

The growing number of Filipinos joining courses held by the Filipino Embassy are a testimony to their popularity and usefulness.

The embassy has began another series of three-month information technology courses to offer Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) an opportunity to upgrade their skills and increase job opportunities.

About 140 participants are attending the course which started last Friday, compared with the last batch of 40 who completed the course last month.

Annabella Oliveros, Labour Attache at the embassy, said: "Given the success of the previous classes which have graduated in the past months, we decided to continue with a new series and, hopefully, we will introduce new subjects."

The courses, held under the auspices of the Labour Attache's office, are part of the continual educational programmes by the Embassy to support OFWs. The embassy has already conducted courses in dress-making, hair cutting, Autocad 2000, cosmetology, hospitality and Arabic language.

The official said: "Participants are usually employees who wish to improve their skills and not unemployed people seeking their fist job. Many are relatives of OFWs living here."

She felt the success of the courses is reflected in the large number of OFWs opting for these. "The response is very good and we have no seats left for the ongoing courses. Those who want to apply will have to wait for the next set of courses."

The courses started around two years ago with the support of Filipino experts and trainers working on a voluntary basis. They offer their knowledge and skills to serve the community's members and help them acquire new competencies and skills.

"The success of the training programmes conducted by the Labour Office depends to a great extent on the cooperation and support of the volunteers of the community," she noted.

An official at the embassy explained that the courses are held throughout the year, lasting about three months each.