Govt to allocate 6.9 billion baht for job training

BANGKOK, March 16 TNA) - In an attempt to cushion the impact from the global economic meltdown now impacting the Thai economy, the government is to allocate Bt6.9 billion to provide short-term occupational training for the unemployed.

The number of unemployed is expected to soar to one million this year, Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu said on Monday.

Speaking after presiding over a Government House meeting to discuss how best to assist the jobless, Mr. Korbsak said the training initiative is considered a priority among the government’s economic stimulus packages and aims to provide short-term occupational courses for the unemployed and new graduates.

The programme is set to continue for two years and is expected to help some 500,000 people find jobs, said Mr. Korbsak.

The first stage of the programme will run from April to September and about 240,000 people are expected to attend. More will be trained next year, he said, noting that the programme was critical now after news that some 74,000 workers now employed at 106 small- and medium-sized enterprises are to be terminated from their jobs. The short-term occupational training could help them, he said.

After completing the course, trainees will be given jobs at government and private offices, he said.
The short-term training will last less than a month and the government will pay Bt5,000 per trainee per month plus a per diem allowance during training, said Mr. Korbsak.

Upon completion of the training, those wishing to return to work in their native provinces will receive another Bt4,800 per person for a maximum of three months, plus travelling expenses.

Interested persons wishing to enroll must be between 18-60 years old and registration in Bangkok - to be presided over by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva - will be held on Sunday at Muang Thong Thani.

Upcountry, registration can be completed at provincial employment offices between March 18-24. - (TNA)