Nefesh BNefesh

The following is a listing of vocational courses, retraining programs, and job placement centers for new Olim.

Note: Before considering a JAFI, MOIA or other government-run program, be sure to check whether there is a minimum participant requirement. If one exists, it means that essentially, there is no guarantee that the program will open.

Courses Run by Nefesh B'Nefesh

Nefesh B'Nefesh runs several courses, such as a "Starting Your Own Business" course which is run in cooperation with MATI. Details of courses are advertised on the Nefesh B'Nefesh Yahoo group and in our calendar of events.

Courses Run by Misrad Haklita

Misrad Haklita runs (and subsidizes) in-house courses specifically designed for Olim. The courses do not have a set starting date; they begin when enough people register for them. Most of the courses are part time (two afternoons a week). The lectures are given in "easy Hebrew". Courses include Java programming, carpentry, training to be an electrician and bookkeeping.

To find out which courses are currently scheduled, speak to your local Misrad Haklita representative. In Jerusalem, speak to Arina at 02-621-4555. You can meet with Arina in person at the Misrad Haklita office, Rechov Hillel 15, Sunday through Thursday from 8 am to 1 pm, and Wednesday from 3 pm to 6 pm.

In order to be eligible for the subsidy you must have made Aliyah within the last five years.

Lishkat HaTaasuka

Your local Lishkat HaTaasuka (Employment Office) has information about vocational courses that are run by Misrad HaAvoda (the Ministry of Labor). The courses are given in regular, conversational Hebrew, and they are NOT geared specifically to Olim. Courses run 5 days a week from 8 am to 4 pm. For a full listing of Lishkat Taasuka locations throughout Israel, click here. In Jerusalem, the Lishkat HaTaasuka address is:

Lishkat Taasuka
5th Floor of (new) Central Bus Station, Jerusalem
Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, 8:30 – 11:30 AM and 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Monday, Wednesday, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Phone: 02-501-3111
Etti and Bilha speak English.

Lishkat HaTaasuka maintains two different sections, one that assists individuals who have a post-high school academic degree ("Academa'im" in Hebrew), and one that assists everyone else. If you do have an academic degree, bring a copy of your diploma to your first meeting with Lishkat HaTaasuka.

Lishkat HaTaasuka's services go far beyond providing information about courses. They offer individual job counseling and assistance for job seekers, as well as information about open positions in a wide range of fields. 

Courses Run by Misrad Hachinuch

Misrad Hachinuch regularly runs courses for people who have academic degrees and want to retrain as English teachers. For more information about available courses, speak to your local office for Morim Olim (immigrant teachers). For contact information, please see: Teaching

Retraining as a Nurse

If you have a BA, you may be eligible for a shortened course to train nurses that is offered by several universities in Israel. For more information, click here. Some of the nursing schools which offer the course include: Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Kaplan Nursing School, Ashkelon Nursing School, Afula Sherman Nursing School and Asaf HaRofe.

Private Training Courses

A wide range of courses are run by private organizations throughout Israel. Most of the information is available online in Hebrew. For a partial listing in English, please see the NBN Business Directory (programs are listed in the category called Retraining). For additional information about courses in specific fields, please email employment@nbn.org.il. Information about the Misrad Haklita Voucher Program can be found here. 

Finding Employment in a New Field

Even after completing a vocational course, landing a job in a new field can be challenging. Many employers are only interested in hiring workers who already have relevant experience. You can improve your chances of finding employment by gaining some of the necessary experience, even this means that you have to volunteer or work as an unpaid intern. In addition, some companies will  hire people without experience for entry-level positions, and while the pay is low, it is worthwhile accepting this type of position if this will help you move into a higher paying job afterwards.