CORFO offers 2,000 English grants for IT professionalsPublished: April 2, 2009
This year the government has doubled its English language training budget for IT industry workers and incorporated applications from regions.
From April 1st to 30th, the Chilean Economic Development Agency (CORFO) is accepting applications for 2000 grants for intensive English courses. The program forms part of the government's efforts to promote the development of human capital, bringing with it important new measures.
The 2009 grant program has a budget of US$ 4.8 million - twice that of last year's figure, when 1000 grants were awarded. In addition, applications are being accepted in Chile's regions so that professionals may attend courses in any of the country's regional capitals.
"In 2008, CORFO carried out a pilot scheme which was very successful. The commitment of those who were awarded the grants was reflected in their improved level of English. This allowed us to meet the President's commitment to double the number of grants and extend this benefit to the regions. We aim to increase the number of professionals who are able to take advantage of the opportunities in the global services industry," explained Carlos Álvarez, executive vice-president of CORFO.
The grants are aimed at IT professionals. "They must be Chilean citizens, or foreigners with permanent residency, who have an intermediate level of English," explained Tania Sutin, Deputy Head of Operations and Head of CORFO's Human Capital program. In order to apply, those interested should visit
CORFO's website.
The idea is to provide IT professionals with the necessary language skills to work in the global services industry. In this way, they will be able to take advantage of the job opportunities provided by foreign companies that establish themselves in Chile.
"The global off-shoring market is estimated to be worth around US$ 100 billion. Chile is able to capture 1 or 2% of this market, which means US$ 1 to 2 billion. This also means between 20,000 and 40,000 new jobs. The main challenge is to improve the English level of the human capital and the CORFO grants for regions are a big step," stated Mohit Srivastava, General Manager of the Indian multinational Evalueserve, and member of the strategic council for the Global Services Cluster.
The programIt is a 350 hour intensive course of at least 20 hours per week. The program aims to recreate the experience of being in an English speaking environment while studying in Chile. Courses will be held between June and November 2009, in all regional capitals of the country that have a minimum of 45 people selected.
Those who obtain a 2009 CORFO English grant will be part of the National Register of English Speakers. This is a helpful tool aimed at domestic and foreign firms in order to facilitate the search and selection of professionals with specific educational levels and language skills. Currently, the National Register of English Speakers has over 38,000 people registered.