Even amidst the covid-19 pandemic, we are able to train our helpers despite challenges such as lockdowns and school closures. Our training center aims to provide helpers with sufficient skills to work in Singapore closely with their employers. The biggest obstacle for employers and helpers would be the language barrier. As such, our training prioritizes English language, with communication being a key training focus. Following which we train them in other skills such as caregiving, and household cleaning techniques.
How do we overcome the challenge of school closures?
We conduct online learning classes for our helpers. Though we have many obstacles, such as weak internet (from our helpers’ side), we are able to conduct short and effective lessons to train them in various skills, as well as constantly improving their English and communication skills.
Our focus on english training is on simple day-to-day vocabulary and conversations. Given a short duration of 2 months to train our helpers, we focus on the key vocabularies that helpers need to understand and be able to speak to converse with their employers. Communication training is an addition to English training. By teaching them how to communicate using body language and their phones (Google Translate). They will be better able to communicate with their employers. Not every helper enrolls with the same level of skills, some may be more skilled (in language or other subjects), some may be less. Therefore, understanding and catering to the learning needs of each helper is critical in training them to be more efficient in Singapore
How can we differentiate, train and analyze helpers that enroll in our training center?
When our helpers enroll, they are required to take a Training Needs Analysis (TNA). This is a questionnaire that tests on their theoretical knowledge with regards to English, caregiving and household cleaning techniques. By testing them before enrollment, we are able to assess their skill level.
We track our helpers’ training progress using a milestone system. For every skill they learn, we test them weekly until they are familiar with it. For example, when we train them in kitchen cutting techniques and knife discipline, our instructors will watch over them as they cook, while scoring them everyday when they cook for their meals. This results in a realistic training program, a similar experience that they will feel when working in Singapore. This is what we call a post-lesson test.
So does that mean that our helpers are always ready for your expectations?
No. However, upon confirmation that our employers have requested for a helper and confirmed the helper, we will train her to suit our employers’ needs during the duration of In-Principle Approval, Endorsement of Employment Contract, until departure.
In the end, helpers are still humans.
We educate our helpers on the strict and disciplined working schedule in Singapore, but we are also mindful of their physical and mental capacity. As much as we train our helpers and prepare them for Singapore, these helpers are embarking on a two-year working journey, miles away from their dearest families.
Caring Caregivers focuses on ethical recruitment and training such that we assist our helpers in their emotional and mental needs as well. Likewise, we aim to assist our employers in finding the right match, such that they are well suited with our helpers.
