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| Bhuj/India - Photo: SOS Archives |
In order to learn a trade and increase one's chances on the labour market, SOS Vocational Training Centres offer courses and apprenticeships in trades, industries and various service branches. What is taught is strongly orientated towards the local and regional job prospects. For example car mechanics, carpentry, printing, plumbing, electrical engineering, home economics, commerce, agriculture, and information technology. The resulting products or services are often locally marketed.
Youths from the SOS Children's Villages and socially disadvantaged young people or those who have hardly any other training prospects are given the opportunity to develop their vocational skills and earn qualifications that will allow them to live autonomous lives as adults who can deal with the economic and social pressures put upon them. Often the centres work together with local firms or other partners and do research into the job market and offer career advice.
Each of the branches of training is the same length as is the norm for that country, follow the same curriculum and offer the same practical experience. On completion the youths are awarded a state-recognised diploma or certificate of apprenticeship.