Biz group urges work-based training for K-12 graduates

MANILA  -The industry-led advocacy group Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) called for a wider, cross-sector initiative to implement work-based training programs for graduates of the K-12 curriculum in an effort to increase their marketability and suitability for work.

“Senior high school graduates are employable, given the right training and workplace exposure. We just need to develop better mechanisms for government, industry and academe to work together so we can connect school and work,” PBEd executive director Justine Raagas said in a statement on Thursday.

PBEd took note of a statement from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) during a congressional hearing this week saying that skills readiness among graduates of senior high school was key to employers seeking them out.

“To tackle unemployment and underemployment issues among the youth, we have been actively pushing for private sectors, schools and the government to collaborate and invest in youth training initiatives,” Raagas said.

To illustrate the effectiveness of their proposal, PBEd took note of its workforce development program that was able to help 222 out of 294 K-12 graduates secure employment, which translated to a 76-percent success rate.

“Let’s strive to create a more inclusive and productive workforce by unlocking the potential of senior high school graduates. We urge more companies to put their skin in the game by opening their doors to training our youth and making skills-based hiring the norm,” Raagas also said.