My Job Training Experience at the Employment Center During Maternity Leave

I recently decided to take advantage of the job training offered by the Employment Center while I was on maternity leave. I thought it would be a great way to learn a new skill and earn some extra cash.

As a working mom, I was excited to explore the different professions they offered for free training. I chose to become a hairstylist, which I thought would be a fantastic way to spend quality time with my family and have a flexible schedule.

The process started with filling out some paperwork, which was a breeze. However, I was surprised to find out that there's no admin staff in the waiting area - I had to wait for 30 minutes before I could get started.

After filling out the paperwork, I was sent to the training department, where I met with an inspector who asked me about my desired profession. I replied, 'What courses do you have?' expecting her to give me a list of options. Unfortunately, she said the list was too long, and I felt a bit confused. If I hadn't read the list online beforehand, our conversation would have gone in a different direction.

I chose a profession, but the inspector couldn't tell me much about the hairstyling courses, except for the start and end dates. That was it. I was a bit disappointed, but I decided to move forward. She explained what documents I needed, and I was able to provide them the next day. The inspector spent about 30 minutes processing my application, then sent me to another department for a signature. I had to wait another 30 minutes, and then I was back at the training department.

Next, I was given a medical examination appointment at a polyclinic on the other side of town. I was told to come hungry and bring filled-out analysis containers, which I wasn't able to do in one day. I had to go to a different institution for a psychiatric evaluation, which was a total nightmare!

I won't go into details about the medical examination, but let's just say it was a disaster.

A week later, I received a document stating that I was cleared to practice my profession, and I was sent back to the Employment Center. The inspector printed out a training contract and gave me a referral to the educational institution.

The educational institution was conveniently located near my home, which was a plus. I attended an organizational meeting with other moms on maternity leave and unemployed individuals registered with the Employment Center. The first question on everyone's mind was, 'What time will the classes be?' Unfortunately, the classes started at 10 am and ended at 2 pm, which didn't work for me (I had no one to watch my kid during that time). That's when I decided to drop out.

Now, let's talk about the conditions of the training. The classes are held daily from 10 am to 2 pm at a different location (not the educational institution). The group is divided into two shifts, and practice takes place not only in the salon but also in gerontological centers on the other side of town. The commute and transportation costs might be a minus for some people. However, I think it's a plus to interact with seniors and give them a haircut while sharing stories.

As a hairstylist, I need equipment, of course! The salon provides a hair dryer and clippers, but it's better to bring your own. You'll also need professional scissors, which cost around 1500 rubles. You can use cheaper ones, but it's worth investing in good quality. The educational institution provides hair dye and chemicals, but you should bring your own razors.

That's it, folks!

Getting job training while on maternity leave requires a lot of time and effort. You need to be free from 9 am to 5 pm, have the means to afford it, and be willing to learn. If you're up for the challenge, I recommend applying to the Employment Center. However, I prefer the conditions offered by commercial organizations.