DepEd, PSAC ink deal for work immersion program

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs Committee on Thursday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to start an enhanced work immersion program for Filipino students.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing in Malacañang Palace.

According to PSAC, the deal outlines key elements including an enhanced work immersion experience for students, the curriculum alignment allowing more hours for students to learn skills aligned with current industry standards, teachers' training to effectively guide students in their journey, and job fairs and matching opportunities across the country.

The PSAC said the initiative aims to bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical industry experience, making students more attractive to potential employers.

Among the first responders from industry to open their doors to the enhanced work immersion program for senior high schools are the Semiconductors and Electronics Industries in the Philippines (SEIPI), IT Business Processing Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Philippine Constructors Association (PCA), Confederation of Wearables Exporters of the Philippines (CONWEP), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), iPeople through the National Teachers College (NTC), SM Group and Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (Go Negosyo).

The PSAC said ten schools from across the country, including one specialized in the Alternative Learning System (ALS), is set to participate in the pilot program.

The schools can choose focus areas such as IT-BPM, tourism and hospitality, agriculture and entrepreneurship, and manufacturing, sectors which are known for their high demand for workers and abundant job opportunities.

Last July, the President said the K to 12 program was unable to achieve its goal of raising the employability of graduates in the Philippines. Marcos said that he already discussed the program with Secretary Sonny Angara before the latter assumed the DepEd leadership.

At the time, the Education Department was in the process of reviewing the curriculum for Grades 11 and 12 in a bid to produce more job-ready and responsible graduates. — VDV, GMA Integrated News