Vocational Courses & Retraining Programs for Olim

The following vocational courses, retraining programs, and job placement centers are subsidized for new Olim.

Note: If you receive assistance from Misrad Haklita for retraining of any kind, you will forfeit your rights to a free academic degree. For details, speak to your Misrad Haklita representative.

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 (see www.mati.org.il). 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 subsidizes a wide variety of vocational courses run by local colleges or educational centers. Funding is available only for the specific courses that Misrad Haklita has approved. NOTE: IF YOU BEGIN A COURSE THAT IS SUBSIDIZED BY MISRAD HAKLITA BUT DO NOT COMPLETE THE COURSE, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO RETURN THE MONEY THAT MISRAD HAKLITA PAID TOWARDS THE COST OF TUITION.

In addition, 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 Halita office, Rechov Hillel 15, Sunday through Thursday from 8 am to 1 pm, and Wednesday from 3 pm to 6 pm.

Courses Run by Misrad Ha'avoda

Misrad Ha'avoda runs vocational courses that are open to anyone who is unemployed. The lectures are given in regular, conversational Hebrew; they are NOT geared specifically to Olim. Courses run 5 days a week from 8 am to 4 pm. To find out which courses are currently scheduled, contact your local Lishkat Taasuka. In Jerusalem, the 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.

For a full listing of Lishkat Taasuka locations throughout Israel, see http://www.taasuka.gov.il/branches.asp.

Note: 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.

Courses Run by Misrad Hachinuch

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

• Jerusalem: Debbie Weiner: (02) 560-1637, Open on  Monday & Thursday
• Tel Aviv: Orit Frendreich: (03) 689-6389, Open on Monday
• Mercaz: Ayala Nicole: (03) 389-6635, Open on Tuesday
• North:  Orit Lev:  (04) 650-0177, Open on Monday & Thursday
• South: Amelia Greenspan: (08) 626-3117, Open on Monday and Thursday
• Haifa: Uriel Cohen: (04) 863-2676, Open on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

Vocational Training Center: Merkaz Hachvana L'Taasuka

Merkazei Hachvana L'Taasuka provide assistance with job placement, resume writing, learning to use the computer in Hebrew and interviewing in the Israeli workplace. The service is free for Olim who have been Israeli citizens for less than 10 years. The centers are located at the following addresses:

• Jerusalem: Merkaz Tikvatenu, Rechov Mem Gimmel 5 (next to Magen Dovid Adom), 02 537 1186.
• Tel Aviv: Derech Menachem Begin 116 (Bet Kalka), 03-5614546 or 03-5621615.
• Kfar Saba: Netiv Ha'Avot 3, 09-7482324.
• Haifa: Hamusachim 25, 04-8723802/3.
• Beer Sheva: Yehoshua HaTsoref 7 (Michlelet Atid), 08-6272019
• Ashdod: Harishonim 9, 08-8524015.

For more information, see http://www.moia.gov.il/taasuka/taasuka7.htm.

Note: If you attend the Merkaz Hachvana, you forfeit your rights to a free academic degree. For details, speak to your Misrad Haklita representative.

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.

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