Amid the barrage of bad news about the economy, job losses and credit woes, low-income earners are shifting their priorities to new skills. A short vocational training course which costs just one baht per hour, is on offer in the southern province of Songkhla to help people equip themselves with much-needed skills.
Saowanee Raksasri is among students of a short vocational course on fruit juice and herbal drink-making, offered by Songkla’s Luang Prathan Rat Nikorn Industrial and Community Education College.
Saowanee said she had been running a small business but stopped it recently due to the economic situation. When the course which charges just one baht per hour was opened, she did not hesitate to enroll. At 75 hours, it costs 75 Baht to complete the training.
"If the cost was expensive, I could not afford it, as today it’s really hard to earn an income. Many people told me training here is practical and I can make a living right away after class ends," said Saowanee Raksasri.
Just like for Saowanee, the economic slump is the main factor driving other students to join the class. Some have recently lost their jobs, while others want to earn extra income to cover the rising cost of living. Only a few take a course as a hobby.
"Under the current economic situation, the course is suitable for anyone who wants to earn some extra income," said Pittaya Chokerungkarn, a student.
Wanna Kosiyaporn the college director, said the courses were designed for those with time and financial constraints. Many skills were offered including food and desert cooking, hairdressing, floristry, dressmaking and handicrafts. The training period ranges from 30 to 150 hours depending on the skill chosen to learn.
"Our popular programmes are food and desert cooking classes. They are fully booked," said Wanna Kosiyaporn, Luang Prathan Rat Nikorn Industrial and Community Education College director.
With the ongoing economic downturn, Wanna said, more people had decided to sign up for the short courses, to provide extra income for those who had jobs, or the only source of income for those unemployed.
Features : Last Update : 08:44:53 19 February 2009 (GMT+7:00)
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