TESDA offers language training for Japan-bound health workers

10 November 2014

To be better workers in a foreign country, Filipinos need to overcome the language and cultural barriers.
 
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) recognizes that this is most apt to nurses and caregivers working in Japan, thus, it continues to put focus on facilitating language training courses for them.
 
From November 11, 2014 to May 20, 2015, a fresh batch of Filipino nurses and caregivers under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) will undergo the Japanese language and culture training to help the candidate's ability to adapt and settle in faster once they are in the foreign land.
 
"When in foreign country, everything from greetings to requests to simple conversation can get lost in translation," TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said.
 
"Equally important to their technical skills as nurses and caregivers will be the ability to speak, write and understand the Japanese language," he said.
 
The knowledge of the Japanese language is also important in helping the candidates pass the Japanese Licensure Examinations after they enter and work in Japan.
 
Passing the national exam secures the prospect to work permanently in Japan as permanent nurses.
 
Under the Memorandum of Agreement signed between TESDA and the Japan Foundation Manila, the six-month language training program will provide the health workers with the foundation in Japanese language and culture prior to deployment.
 
An additional six-month comprehensive language training will be conducted in Japan after completing the language training at the TESDA National Language Skills Institute.
 
Since March 2011, there have been a total of 564 candidate nurses and caregivers who have undergone the training.