RP launches training-for-work scholarship program

The Philippine government is implementing a Training for Work Scholarship Program, which is open to fresh high school graduates, those employed but ready for a career change, underemployed, or unemployed with or without experience, and willing to undergo training.

The program hopes to provide skills and competencies to job seekers, 18-55 years of age, through appropriate training programs that are directly connected to existing jobs for immediate employment and to empower private education and training institutions to offer relevant training programs that meet job requirements.

The program is a joint project of government agencies, spearheaded by Technical Education and Skills Development, Department of Labor and Employment, and Office of the Presidential Adviser for Job Creation, private sector organizations, industry associations, labor unions and public and private education and training institutions, according to Consul General Wilfredo DL. Maximo.

Occupations covered include call center agents, medical and legal transcriptionists, animator, software developer, consumer electronics technician, welder, butcher, heavy equipment operator, aircraft maintenance technician, barista, cook, caregiver, biomedical equipment technician, massage therapist, household service worker, etc.

If applicants, for example, are interested in a Business Process Outsourcing job, they can apply in any BPO company. In areas where there are no BPO companies, applicants are advised to register at the nearest DOLE or TESDA Regional/Provincial Office using the Computerized National Manpower Registry System form. Interested applicants can also log on to the TESDA website www.tesda.gov.ph or PHIL-Jobnet www.phil-job.net.

Maximo said that after screening and if found qualified, a scholarship certificate will be issued to the applicant through the Business Processing Association of the Philippines and its member associations—Contact Center Association of the Philippines, Medical Transcription Industry Association of the Philippines, Inc.,Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc., and Philippine Software Industry Association; other sectoral organizations, industry associations and social and civic organization where TESDA have existing MOA; or the nearest TESDA Regional/Provincial/District Offices.

The TWSP was one of the Philippine government’s initiatives shared by CFO Secretary Dante A. Ang during his dialogue with the Filipino community while he was here on Saipan last month.

Maximo is encouraging OFWs here in the CNMI to relay this opportunity to their dependents in the Philippines. OFWs who are not returning to work in the CNMI can also avail of TWSP to upgrade their skills and boost their employability.

Those interested can contact TESDA in Manila or its regional or provincial office nearest their place.[B][I] (PR)[/I][/B]