These are short-term scholarship/training grants to qualified OFWs and/or their dependents aimed at enhancing their employability through the provision of specialized skills upgrading courses in accredited training institutions

Under this are the following programs:

1. Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) – a short term (6 months to 2 years) training program consisting of a maximum of Php14,500.00 per training course leading to completion of a technical or vocational course in any school accredited by TESDA, MARINA, and other government training institutions. / Implemented in 1985

2. Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP) – a short-term training program for seafarers consisting of a maximum of Php7,500.00 per upgrading course in accredited maritime training centers/institutions to ensure competitive advantage in meeting International Maritime Organizations competency standards.

For the first availment, a single OWWA membership contribution entitles a seafarer to a training course of his/her choice; subsequent entitlements shall be allowed every after 3 recorded payments of OWWA membership contributions. / Implemented in 2004

3. Information Technology Training Program (ITTP) – a 5-day training program implemented both in-country and onsite by in-house IT personnel aimed at enhancing the skills of the OFWs or their dependents on the use of information technology. This includes the use of internet and training in Microsoft word, excel and PowerPoint to improve their computer literacy. / Implemented in 2005

4. Updating Management Level Courses (UMLC) – a financial subsidy amounting to Php7,500.00 given to active OWWA member-seafarers (3rd and 2nd Mates, 4th and 3rd Engineer Officers) who need to undergo a management level program to be eligible for certification as management level officers (Masters, Chief Mates, Chief Engineers and 2nd Engineers). / Implemented from Jan-Jun 2017 only