The COVID-19 pandemic has affected thousands of non-resident Keralites as companies retrenched employees and cut costs. Kerala, which has a substantial chunk of its people living and earning, outside the state and the country, is badly hit. The state government is but taking steps to train, upskill, and make employable those returning in the COVID context.
The NoRKA-ROOTS and the Kerala Academy for Skills Excellence (KASE) is offering vocational courses to enable the returnees to get jobs.
As of now, three vocational courses are being offered: the industrial electrician; pipe fabrication/fitter; and tig and arc welder courses. Those trained in the above trades are in demand in the oil and natural gas sector.
The trainees need to shell out only 25 per cent of the course fees; the rest is borne by the government. Those who complete the course successfully will be supported with placement assistance.
At a glance
• Applications may be sent in for the three courses, namely, industrial electrician; pipe fabrication/fitter; and tig and arc welder.
• Priority will be given to those with at least two years of experience in foreign countries.
• The fee for the industrial electrician and pipe fabrication/fitter courses is Rs.24,675. Trainees need to shell out 25 per cent, Rs.6168. Trainees should find their own accommodation.
*The fee for the tig and arc welding course is Rs.45,675. This is inclusive of the cost of the personal protective equipment. Trainees would have to pay Rs.11,418.
• The courses would start in January.
• The 40-day course will be organised at the KASE Centre for Excellence at Angamaly.
• The applicants will be selected on the basis of their experience and inclination to the trade.
• For details, call: 9072572998; the mail id is:admin@eramskills.in
Navajeevan self-employment scheme
This scheme is intended to help those in the 50-65 age group and have no jobs in spite of having registered with the employment exchange.
The scheme is being implemented under the 100-day programme of the state government.
Those who apply through employment exchanges would get a loan of up tp Rs.50,000 for setting up a business. The government will offer a subsidy of 25 per cent on the loan. The application forms are available at employment exchanges.
At a glance
• The aid is to start tailoring shops, DTP/photocopying units, provision store, readymade outlets, and internet cafes.
• The annual income of applicants should not exceed Rs. one lakh.
• Those who have not registered at employment exchanges can apply after registering on employmentkerala.gov.in
• After registration, the applicants should apply with income certificate and details of the business they intend to open.
• For more details, contact: District Employment Exchange on 0495-2370179.