Serang, Banten (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Manpower Ministry collaborated with the Austrian Government in vocational and work-based training through assistance in increasing workforce competency at the Serang Vocational and Productivity Training Center (BBPVP).

"This program is a form of collaboration between the two governments to develop vocational training centers at three places, including Medan, Serang, and Makassar," Indonesian Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah said in Serang on Wednesday.

The inauguration of operations of the Maritime Job Training Center (BLK) at BBPVP Serang marked the completion of all construction activities for workshops, procurement of training equipment, and program development for two majors, including welding and electrical engineering, she remarked.

"Job seekers looking for upskilling can start the program now," Fauziyah remarked.

Moreover, her side has signed a cooperation agreement with 50 companies in Banten Province to open job opportunities for training participants.

"This aims to guarantee the future of these training participants. During the training, we will give them training, certification, and end with job placement," the minister revealed.

According to Fauziyah, development of the Maritime BLK at BBPVP Serang was one of the ministry's nine efforts to reduce unemployment by preparing workers' competencies.

"We can reduce unemployment by preparing their competencies, according to the needs of the business world and the industrial sector," she remarked.

Meanwhile, Austrian Ambassador to Indonesia Thomas Loidl stated that diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Austria will enter the 70th year in 2024.

"For years, the two countries have worked together very well, and reduced weaknesses to good cooperation, he affirmed.

Loidl stated that the current program is targeted at the welding and electricity sectors to open more opportunities in Banten's job market.

For training and financing, this program is supported by project loan funds from the Austrian Government. Everything can hopefully run well and according to expectations, he remarked.

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Translator: Desi Purnama Sari, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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