Implement re-skilling and up-skilling with On-the-Job Training (OJT) programmes linking employment for returnee migrant workers - ILO

The "Welcome Home Project" by Action for Development Pvt. Ltd., completed 21 training courses aimed at re-skilling and up-skilling returnee migrant workers in the Morang, Sunsari, and Jhapa districts of Province 1, Nepal. This project was part of an initiative supported by the ILO, the British Council, and the European Union to address the socio-economic reintegration of workers returning due to job losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Project Overview:

• Training Programs: The project delivered training in various trades including Building Painting, Bricklayer Masonry, Village Animal Health Worker, Junior Plumbing, and Fast Food Cook. Each training session ran from mid-October to the end of December, and all trainings had both male and female participants, although the majority were male.
• Beneficiaries: A total of 410 individuals were trained across these trades, with the goal of enhancing their employability in the local labor market.

Activities Conducted:

1. Pre-training:
   • A Rapid Market Appraisal (RMA) was conducted to identify job demands and potential self-employment opportunities in agriculture, tourism, and construction.
   • A Need Assessment was conducted in the targeted communities, based on which participants were selected.
2. During Training:
   • The training combined theory and practical sessions with a 1:4 ratio, ensuring comprehensive skill acquisition.
   • Resources were managed, and Occupational Health and Safety measures were strictly followed.
   • Regular feedback and monitoring ensured the quality of the training.
3. Post-training:
   • Graduates were placed in On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunities and connected with potential employers.
   • Some trainees opted for self-employment, especially in trades like Plumbing and Village Animal Health Worker.

 

Future Plans:

• Action for Development has maintained a database of trained graduates, which will help AfD monitor the employment status of its graduates, beyond the project's phase-out.
• Continuous career counseling and coordination with employers are recommended to create better employment opportunities.

Recommendations:

• Monitoring the graduates' income and skill needs before project closure.
• Sharing the database of participants with agencies establishing a Labour Market Information System (LMIS) in Province 1 to improve employability and skill testing for better job opportunities.

The project concluded with a strong foundation laid for ongoing support and a framework for addressing the employment needs of returnee migrant workers in Province 1.