Apprenticeship in Japan

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Eight members of the government-backed youth organization Karang Taruna will join an apprenticeship program in Japan for three years.

"It is the first apprenticeship program for Karang Taruna, so we must take the chance," the chairman of the South Kalimantan Karang Taruna Communication Forum, Yuherli, told Antara Monday.

The apprenticeship program was the realization of an intergovernmental agreement between Indonesian and Japan, Yuherli said.

The first stage of the program will include 200 youths from 17 provinces, including eight youths from South Kalimantan.

"Before heading for Japan, the youths will join a three-month course on Japanese culture and language in Bekasi, West Java," Yuherli said, adding that the eight were selected from 18 Karang Taruna members.

The apprentices are Andriansyah, Syaifudin, Budiono, Yudi Winarno, Rianto, Wahyu, Slamet Poewarto and Serta M Budi Santoso.

"They will be working for various companies and receive a monthly salary of Rp 2 million," Yuherli said.

Without naming the companies, Yuherli said the apprentices would receive certificates and working capital from the Japanese companies. (sur)