From uncertainty to stability: the story of Dionisie Caniliuc, beneficiary of the on-the-job training program in Hincești

After years of working abroad and temporary jobs at home, the dream of finding a stable, well-paid job, close to the family seemed increasingly difficult to achieve.  Lack of education and limited experience, accumulated mainly as a driver after leaving school, limited his chances.  Although he had a short experience as an electrician's assistant, the lack of a formal qualification prevented him from obtaining a secure and well-paid job.

Everything changed one day, when, in a construction store, he heard in a discussion of a saleswoman about an on-the-job training program organized by Hincesti Professional School, planned for unemployed.  Eager to stay at home, with his wife and four children between the ages of 1.4 and 12, Dionisie decided to take advantage of this opportunity.

Without thinking too much, Dionisie addressed Hincesti Territorial Subdivision for Employment (TSE), where he found out that he qualifies for this program, supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and implemented through Hincesti Professional School, within the Local Employment Partnership. "I worked as an electrician's assistant, I liked the job, but I had no education in the field.  When I found out about this opportunity, I felt that this is my chance to build a stable future at home, near my family," said Dionisie.

His determination didn't stop there. Being aware of this program benefits, he soon called his brother, Vladimir, who lives in the village of Calmatui, Hincești district. Vladimir, also a father of four children, was facing difficulties in finding a permanent job in his village. The Village Hall was ready to hire him as an electrician, but he needed a diploma and experience in the field. The program turned out to be exactly the solution they were looking for. 

For a month, Dionisie attended intensive theoretical courses, organized by Hincesti Professional School "I didn't miss a single lesson. In the morning, I was taking my children to school and then I was also going to 'my school'," he mentioned smiling.  After the theoretical course, the practical internship at a specialized company in Hincesti followed. There he had the opportunity to apply the acquired knowledge and accumulate the relevant experience.

This program impacted not only on the acquired professional skills. "I received a scholarship that helped me to cover the costs for travel and meals, without the need to take money from the family budget.  It was a real lifesaver, especially in the cold season, when the maintenance costs increased considerably" Dionisie explained.  Similarly, the program covered the expenses for the mandatory medical check-up, thus facilitating the access to training without additional hindrances.

Another significant advantage was the employment outlook. The company where Dionisie was carrying out the training manifested interest in his employment after completion of the program promising a decent salary. "It's a mutually beneficial program: we acquire skills necessary for the labour market, and the employers find the qualified labour force."

For Dionisie and Vladimir, this program was something more than just a training opportunity. It was a step towards stability, a chance to build a more secure future for their families. "I can't even believe that there are donors who develop such well-structured programs. Now I have the opportunity to work in my country, with prospects for professional growth. It's more than a job; it's a new beginning for me and my family" Dionisie concluded.

The Caniliuc brothers are not the only persons who benefited from the opportunity provided by the on-the-job training program.   In Hincești district, four groups of trainees, each of 15 persons, were formed. They were selected by outreach measures and registered by the local Employment Subdivision.  After benefiting from employment services and being profiled, they were directed for the professional training to Hincesti Vocational School. 

The program aims to train adults in the construction sector for the following occupations:  painter-plasterer, reinforcing ironworker, electrician for the maintenance of electrical equipment, and plumber-sanitary technician. These occupations were selected after consultations with the representatives of the local business environment, construction sector employers and trade unions, in accordance with the most rigorous requirements of the labour market.

Throughout the duration of the training, the participants benefited from a scholarship in the amount of 3,510 lei and the employers received a financial support of 4,095 lei for the period of on-the-job training.  After completing the courses and obtaining the certification, the participants had the opportunity to get hired by the companies where they performed the on-the-job training. This program not only provides skills necessary for employment but also creates real opportunities for a better life.

Improving employability by developing the practical skills of workers from the construction sector is one of the seven Intervention Actions provided by the Local Employment Partnership implemented in 2024 and the first half of 2025 in Hincești district by the ILO project "Inclusive and productive employment in Moldova" with the financial assistance of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of Switzerland.