Training available for dismissed workers

Training available for dismissed workers

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Medium-scale Enterprises
Association in cooperation with the Matsushita Gobel Education
Foundation began training 140 dismissed workers on Monday to
become entrepreneurs.

Association chairman Ilhamy Elias said the training was aimed
at improving the workers' skills and broadening their knowledge
to provide them with opportunities during the economic crisis.

"By improving their skills and knowledge we hope the workers
can be absorbed by companies. Others also can be expected to
create their own businesses."

He said during the five-day training course, the workers,
mostly senior high school graduates, would learn management,
leadership and other skills, such as how to get a bank loan.

He also said participants in the course would receive a
transportation allowance of Rp 10,000 a day (US$1.10) and Rp 1.25
million in capital at the end of the program.

"We hope participants work in groups to strengthen any
businesses they may form and run."

Ilhamy said the association planned to train at least 400
dismissed workers this year, adding that the plan was part of the
association's goal of improving human resources in the city and
creating new small and medium-scale businesspeople.

"Many people say small and medium-scale enterprises can
survive the economic crisis better than big companies."

Meanwhile, the foundation's training manager, Dharma
Desvandri, said the workers were being taught the latest business
practices.

"We are teaching them more practical knowledge related to the
business sector than theoretical knowledge," Dharma said. The
training is taking place at the foundation's building in
electronic manufacturing firm National Gobel's complex in East
Jakarta.

He said lecturers and other facilities needed for the course
were provided by the foundation, which was established in May
1979.

Since its establishment, the foundation has trained 46,584
people. Training has included technical skills, manufacturing
management, work ethics and discipline as well as foreign
languages, he said. (jun)