Being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is tough. You’re working hard to provide for your family, but have you thought about your future after your contract ends? Upskilling – learning new skills or improving existing ones – is a fantastic way to secure a better future for yourself and your loved ones back home. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about upskilling as an OFW, from finding the right courses to managing your time and finances.
Why is Upskilling Important for OFWs?
Think about it: the world is changing fast. Technology is advancing, and job markets are becoming more competitive. What was in demand yesterday might not be in demand tomorrow. As an OFW, you might be sending money home now, but what happens when you decide to return for good? Will your current skills be enough to land a good job? Upskilling helps you stay relevant in the job market, increase your earning potential, and gives you more control over your career path. It’s an investment in yourself and your future.
Consider Maria, a domestic helper in Hong Kong. She’s been working there for 10 years, sending money home to support her family. But Maria worries about what she’ll do when she returns to the Philippines. She’s been diligent in saving money, but she lacked relevant skills. She used her free time to take online courses in bookkeeping. Upon coming home, she landed a job as a bookkeeper in a small business, earning significantly more than minimum wage. Upskilling allowed her to transition to a more stable and fulfilling career in her home country.
The Benefits of Upskilling
Upskilling offers tons of advantages. Here’s a rundown:
Increased Earning Potential: New skills often translate to higher salaries. You’ll be qualified for higher paying jobs, both abroad and back in the Philippines.
Improved Job Security: By staying relevant, you’re less likely to be replaced by someone with more up-to-date skills.
Career Advancement: Upskilling can open doors to promotions and new opportunities within your current field. Maybe you dream of becoming a supervisor or manager. With the right training, you can make that a reality.
Easier Transition Back Home: Returning to the Philippines can be challenging. Upskilling provides you with valuable skills that are in demand in the Philippine job market, making your transition smoother. This could mean opening your own small business, or applying for positions that value international experience.
Personal Growth: Learning something new is empowering! It builds confidence, expands your knowledge, and makes you a more well-rounded individual.
Adaptability: The ability to learn new things quickly is a valued skill in itself. By upskilling regularly, you’re proving that you’re adaptable and willing to embrace change.
What Skills Should OFWs Focus On?
Choosing the right skills to learn depends on your interests, your current job, and the demands of the job market. However, there are some skills that are generally valuable for OFWs, no matter their background. Here are a few ideas:
Digital Skills
In today’s digital world, having basic digital skills is essential. This includes things like:
Computer Literacy: Knowing how to use a computer, navigate the internet, and use basic software like Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). These are foundational skills and free courses are often available through libraries or online tutorials.
Social Media Marketing: Many businesses need help with their social media presence. Learning how to manage social media accounts, create engaging content, and run social media ads can be a valuable skill. You can even manage your own freelancing business.
E-commerce: With the rise of online shopping, understanding e-commerce platforms like Shopify or Lazada is a great asset. You can learn how to set up an online store, manage inventory, and process orders.
Graphic Design: Knowing how to create visually appealing graphics for social media, websites, or marketing materials is a sought-after skill.
Many free online courses can help you get started with these digital skills. For example, Google offers a wide range of free digital marketing courses through Google Skillshop.
Technical Skills
Technical skills encompass a wide range, depending on your industry. However, some technical skills are consistently valuable:
Coding: Learning to code can open up a world of opportunities in the tech industry. Even basic coding skills can be helpful for website development, data analysis, or creating mobile apps. Platforms such as freeCodeCamp offer free certificates.
Data Analysis: Businesses are increasingly relying on data to make decisions. Learning how to analyze data using tools like Excel, SQL, or Python can be a valuable skill.
Web Development: Knowing how to build and maintain websites is a valuable skill for businesses of all sizes. Even if you don’t become a professional web developer, understanding the basics of web development can be helpful for managing your own online presence.
Cybersecurity Awareness: With increasing cyber threats, having knowledge of cybersecurity best practices can be beneficial for protecting personal and company data.
Business Skills
Even if you don’t plan to start your own business, having business skills can be helpful for managing your finances, negotiating contracts, and understanding how organizations operate.
Bookkeeping and Accounting: Understanding financial statements and managing finances is crucial for any business. Learning basic bookkeeping and accounting skills can be a great asset, even if you’re working in a different field.
Project Management: Knowing how to plan, organize, and execute projects is a valuable skill in many industries. Learning project management methodologies like Agile or Scrum can make you a more effective team member.
Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service is essential for any business. Learning how to handle customer inquiries, resolve complaints, and build customer relationships can be a valuable skill.
Entrepreneurship: If you dream of starting your own business, take some courses on entrepreneurship, business planning, and marketing.
Language Skills
Learning a new language can be a huge advantage, especially if you’re working in a country where the local language is different than your native language.
English Proficiency: Even if you speak English fluently, improving your English proficiency can open doors to better job opportunities and communication skills.
Local Language: Learning the local language of the country where you’re working can help you build relationships with colleagues, customers, and the community.
Other Languages: Depending on your career goals, learning other languages like Mandarin, Spanish, or Arabic can be valuable.
Where Can OFWs Find Upskilling Programs?
Luckily, there are tons of resources available for OFWs looking to upskill. Here are a few places to start:
Online Learning Platforms
Online learning platforms offer a wide variety of courses, from basic skills to advanced certifications. Some popular platforms include:
Coursera: Coursera offers courses taught by professors from top universities around the world. Many courses are free to audit, but you’ll need to pay for a certificate. With a vast selection of courses and specializations, you’re almost certain to find the right fit.
edX: Similar to Coursera, edX offers courses from leading universities and institutions. They also offer professional certificates and degree programs.
Udemy: Udemy has a huge library of courses taught by instructors from around the world. You can find courses on almost any topic, and they often have sales and discounts.
LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) offers courses on a wide range of professional skills. If you have a LinkedIn Premium account, you get access to all of their courses.
TESDA Online Program (TOP): The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the Philippines offers free online courses relevant to Filipinos, including OFWs. They offer a range of courses from agriculture to automotive, and entrepreneurship.
Government Programs
The Philippine government offers several programs to support OFWs, including training and skills development programs.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA): OWWA offers various training programs and scholarships for OFWs and their dependents. Check their website for upcoming training opportunities.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE): DOLE also offers training programs for OFWs, particularly those who are about to return to the Philippines.
Community Organizations
Many community organizations and NGOs offer free or low-cost training programs for OFWs.
Church Groups: Many churches offer vocational training and skills development programs for their members, including OFWs.
Filipino Community Organizations: Check with Filipino community organizations in your area for training opportunities and workshops.
Employer-Sponsored Training
Sometimes, your employer might offer training programs to improve your skills, mostly related to your work assignment. This is a great opportunity to upskill for free!
Tips for OFWs: How to Make Upskilling a Success
Upskilling while working abroad can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
Time Management
Time management is crucial. As an OFW, you are working daily and time may seem scarce; set realistic goals. Don’t try to learn everything at once. Focus on one skill at a time and break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. Schedule dedicated time for learning each week. Even just an hour or two a day can make a big difference. Utilize your time efficiently. Listen to podcasts or audiobooks while you’re commuting or doing chores. Take advantage of your lunch breaks or downtime to study. Create a study schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Treat it like an important appointment.
Financial Planning
Some courses can be expensive, so it’s important to plan your finances carefully. Research free or low-cost options. Many online platforms offer free trials or scholarships. Look for government-sponsored training programs that offer free courses. Create a budget for your upskilling expenses. Determine how much you can afford to spend on courses, materials, and other related costs. Look for funding opportunities. OWWA and other organizations may offer financial assistance for OFWs who want to pursue further education or training.
Motivation and Support
It’s easy to get discouraged when you’re juggling work and studies. Stay motivated by setting clear goals. Write down your goals and remind yourself why you’re upskilling. Visualize your success and imagine how your new skills will improve your life. Find a support system. Connect with other OFWs who are also upskilling. Share your experiences, challenges, and successes with them. Join online forums or social media groups for OFWs. This can provide you with a sense of community and support.
Staying Updated
Job markets evolve. Regularly check for updates in your field. Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and network with professionals in your field to stay informed about the latest happenings and updates. Join industry associations, if possible. These associations often offer training programs, networking opportunities, and resources to help you stay up-to-date. Continuously seek opportunities to upgrade your skills. Learning is a life-long journey. Don’t stop at one course or certification. Continuously look for ways to improve your skills and knowledge.
Choosing the Right Courses
Consider your interests and career goals, research course quality, and read reviews. Choose courses that are relevant to your goals. Is coding your avenue, enroll in coding courses. If digital marketing helps, then digital marketing courses are your friends. And remember to assess your current skill level. Don’t jump into advanced courses if you don’t have the foundational knowledge. Start with beginner-friendly courses and gradually work your way up.
Real-Life Success Stories
Here are more inspiring stories of OFWs who have successfully upskilled and transformed their lives:
Lito, a former construction worker in Saudi Arabia, took online courses in welding. When he returned to the Philippines, he was able to secure a higher-paying job as a certified welder in a shipbuilding company.
Gina, a former caregiver in Canada, learned graphic design online. She now works as a freelance graphic designer, creating marketing materials for small businesses.
Ramon, a former seaman, took courses in maritime engineering. He is now a chief engineer on a cargo ship, earning significantly more than he did as a seaman.
These stories prove that upskilling can truly change your life.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here’s a brief list of mistakes to watch out for.
Not Planning: Dive in without a plan, which can waste time and money. Make sure to have the appropriate budget, timing and course of action planned and ready to go.
Choosing Unrealistic Goals: Overcommitting with unrealistic expectations, leading to burnout.
Ignoring Finances: Failing to budget for courses, leading to financial strain.
Negative Mindset: Believing that upskilling is too difficult or not worth the effort.
Lack of Discipline: Not following through with your study schedule and goals.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about upskilling for OFWs:
What if I don’t have much time?
Even small amounts of time can make a difference! Focus on microlearning – breaking down your learning into small, manageable chunks. Use your commute time to listen to podcasts or audiobooks. Take advantage of short breaks during the day to review notes or watch short video lessons. Every little bit counts!
What if I don’t have much money?
There are many free or low-cost upskilling options available. Look for free online courses, government-sponsored training programs, and community-based workshops. You can also borrow books from the library or find free learning resources online. Remember, investing in yourself doesn’t always require a lot of money. Even small investments in your skills can yield big returns.
What if I’m not tech-savvy?
Don’t let technology intimidate you! Start with basic computer literacy courses and gradually learn more advanced skills. There are many beginner-friendly tutorials available online that can walk you through the basics. Ask for help from friends or family members who are more tech-savvy. And remember, everyone starts somewhere! With a little practice and patience, you can master the technology skills you need to succeed.
How do I choose the right course?
Think about your interests, your career goals, and the skills that are in demand in the job market. Research different courses and read reviews from other students. Consider your learning style and choose a course that matches your preferences. And don’t be afraid to try out a few different courses before you find the right fit.
How do I stay motivated?
Set clear, realistic goals and remind yourself why you’re upskilling. Find a support system with other OFWs who are also upskilling. Celebrate your successes and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Remember, upskilling is an investment in yourself and your future. Stay focused on your goals and you’ll be rewarded.
References
Here’s a list of the information sources used in this article.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Programs.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Training Programs.
Google Skillshop.
Coursera online courses.
edX online courses.
Udemy online courses.
LinkedIn Learning.
TESDA Online Program.
Ready to transform your future? Don’t wait any longer. Start exploring upskilling opportunities today and take the first step towards a brighter, more secure future for yourself and your family. Invest in your skills, invest in yourself! Find a course you’re interested in, sign up, and start learning. You’ve got this!
