Free training at RMUTT

Participants don't have to pay anything and they even get given lunch, coffee and snacks. They don't even have to pay for the materials and documents, and can take their finished products home at the end of the course.

"We want to build a strong community," explains Sujin Permpool, a department head from the university's Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts. "When people have the knowledge and skills, they can fill their and their family's empty stomachs.

"And when they have stability, they'll be happy and push the country forward, thus building a strong nation."

Sujin is the person behind this five-day career-training project, which is conducted once a year and has been running for three consecutive years now. This year, he was given Bt500,000 to fund the project after submitting a proposal with the Education Ministry.

Each year, the project consists of six to eight classes depending on the budget and requests from the local communities. Participants can choose to train in anything from leatherwork, batik and tie-dye to ceramics, papier-mache, woodwork, framing, resin and lacquer ware.

Only 15 or 20 students are accepted for the 40-hour project, while each class is conducted by two RMUTT instructors.

"The instructors are so friendly and it's all so much fun," says Bunga Kiriboot, who's learning to work with lacquer. "He tells us everything and answers all our questions."

The 31-year-old administration officer at Tanyaburi Home for Female Destitute in Pathum Thani says she wants to supplement her income and pass the knowledge on to other women at the centre.

Wichai Sawanyanupab, who has taken two classes, says the project is useful.

"The instructors give us what they know. The equipment and materials are fully prepared. The building and classrooms are convenient. It's up to the participants how much they take from the class," he says.

Wichai, 53, quit his engineering career to open a framing shop in 2005 after training at RMUTT. This year he is learning to create things from leftover wood and hopes to obtain new ideas.

Participants learn both theory and get hands on experience in making products. For instance, in the leatherwork class they would learn everything there is to know about making a belt or a handbag.

"Five days may not be a lot, but at least it gives you some background and can inspire you to set up your own business," says Chawalit Sritubtim, head of RMUTT's leatherwork department. "And you can always call or walk in for advice. It's free."

Chawalit says the cost for making a belt is less than Bt200, but it can be sold for up to Bt500.

Wanakaneung Seetakoses, 17, a Mathayom 5 student from Kanaratbumrung Pathum Thani School, says making belts is quite easy. "I'll wear it myself, and maybe my friends will want one too. That way I can make some money."

The department also conducts private classes.

For details, call the RMUTT's Department of Crafts at (02) 549 3292.

By Rojana Manowalailao

The Nation