Fair Training Center: A Place to Equip Aspiring Household Service Workers

Did you know that there are 2.2 million Household Service Workers (HSW) working overseas? Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Hong Kong, and Qatar are the top destinations for HSW because of both the pay and high in demand. Unfortunately, not all deployed HSWs were able to finish their contract because their employers decided to terminate them for various reasons; one of which is that the HSW is not prepared to work as one.

You might think that being a HSW is as simple as doing the chores. In fact, it doesn’t end there. You will be in a different country with different rules, laws, and way of life. These are the factors you need to consider as well to ensure that you can get the job done.

The good news is there is a training center that could help you prepare for the job.

Say Hello to Fair Training Center (FTC)

FTC is under the management of Fair Employment Agency. The agency noticed that despite its rigorous application process, four out of 10 first-time OFWs were terminated because they weren’t ready to migrate and work.

This is how FTC started in November 2016. It is an accredited training and assessment center that assists pre-departure HSWs by teaching the basics of living and working abroad, particularly in Hong Kong, through simulation – and more.

The curriculum is divided into three competencies: Basic, Common, and Core.

The program aims to teach and familiarize:

• Your rights as a worker
• Proper use of household appliances and equipment like washing machine and food processor
• Basic cooking skills and recipes, including shopping for local ingredients in the market
• Proper housekeeping skills
• First aid and accident prevention and management
• How to use public transportation
• Filling up forms in the immigration
• Understand service contracts
• How to respond to scenarios like being accused of stealing, as well as tips on how to prevent yourself from being placed in an unfortunate situation
• Tips on how to be professionals, including the way you talk, think, look, dress, and act
• Proper ways to communicate with employers

In other words, FTC helps HSWs on how to be dignified professionals because after all, you are a worker and not just someone who gets paid to do the cleaning.

Aside from the basic and physical preparations, Fair Training Center also helps prepare workers emotionally and financially. You will be taught tips on how to communicate and maintain a healthy relationship with your family in the Philippines with the help of scheduling. Living in a different country is a new experience for you and FTC will help you adapt to the new living environment.

Another important thing you need to prepare for before you leave is how to handle finances at home. FTC acts as a guide to help you and your family define specific financial goals, which will serve as your motivation as you work overseas. Financial literacy is also crucial – and FTC will give you an idea about various financial concepts and how to make the most out of your earnings. This way, you are sure that all your hard work will be rewarded.

Here’s another best part: your trainers were former OFWs who have enough experiences that are not known to many.

How much does this training cost? 

The usual cost is P16,500.00, which covers everything you need to know about working as HSW in Hong Kong plus materials. As of this writing, FTC’s training fee is P8,000.00, so don’t miss this opportunity to equip yourself with the necessary skills as you start this journey.