Work-based training program for OSYs launched

YouthWorksPH is a five-year development project that would prepare the youth for employment and the world market. It involves work-based training positions for at least 1,000 OSYs, career counseling and job matching, and job placement support. (Photo: Philippine Business for Education/Facebook)

MANILA — To connect out-of-school youth (OSYs) with appropriate training and employment opportunities, the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched on Monday YouthWorksPH.

YouthWorksPH is a five-year development project that would prepare the youth for employment and the world market. It involves work-based training positions for at least 1,000 OSYs, career counseling and job matching, and job placement support.

In his speech, PBEd Chairman Ramon del Rosario said the project is a partnership between the private sector and the government that was aimed at delivering shared prosperity among the Filipino youth.

“Through this partnership, we can elevate the Filipino youth to greater heights of global competitiveness, industry relevance, and social responsiveness,” del Rosario said.

Considering that the Filipino youth serves as the fulcrum, on which the future of the Philippines rests, United of States Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Klecheski said the program would assist them in driving democracy, economic growth and prosperity in the country.

“The project aims to boost the capacities of young people who otherwise may not have the opportunity to pursue education, training or a career, so they may realize their full potential while positively contributing to their communities,” Klecheski added.

The project will be implemented in seven major areas in the country — Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, General Santos, the National Capital Region, and Zamboanga.

While the private sector is set to provide work-based training positions, selected training institutions and universities are expected to complement these positions with classroom skills-based training and competency certifications.

Del Rosario branded the project as a “game changer” because of its far-reaching goals and overwhelming investments from partners amounting to PHP 1.7 billion.

Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Nepomuceno Malaluan, who was present at the launch, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that DepEd welcomes partnerships like YouthWorks to maximize the potential of the Filipino youth through work immersion.