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Four graduate from DFS Journeyman Program
Four more graduates were added to the list of DFS’ Journeymen after a year of classes and hard work.
DFS graduates four more Journeymen this year. Members of the Class of 2015 are, from left, Maricel Pangelinan, Natsu Concepcion, Wei Ying “Cathy” Xu, and Ya Ping Yu. (Frauleine S. Villanueva)
Joined by their trainers and colleagues, the four marked their achievement with a graduation ceremony held at the T Galleria hallway last Friday.
Maricel Pangelinan, Natsu Concepcion, Wei Ying “Cathy” Xu, and Ya Ping Yu are the members of the Class of 2015.
“I am very happy that we were able to select four candidates that are so strong and I think they all excel in their areas and I am very, very happy that they graduated. I am very happy that they continued their journey with us,” DFS general manager Milan Rabold said.
In her speech, DFS president Marian Aldan-Pierce praised the achievement of the Journeyman graduates, noting that it is not an easy task to be a part of the class.
To be part of the Journeyman class, interested associates must apply and get the recommendation of their managers and other co-workers.
“Congratulations to this year’s graduates. You are now alumni of a very special group of people—you are the elite graduates of a very elite class who are now armed with tools to create truly exceptional customer experiences. Be very proud of what you have accomplished,” Aldan-Pierce said.
Each of the graduates took their turn to share their experiences, laughter, tears and gratitude to those who have been there to support them.
“It has been a very big change for me and I am so grateful to be here,” graduate Xu said.
“The Journeyman class is a wonderful class. It’s not only a benefit for our work but for our lives as well,” said graduate Yu.
Just like other graduation ceremonies, they were awarded certificates and moved the tassel on their mortarboards. Some of them even threw their caps on the air.
The Journeyman Program has four classes in a one-year period: observations, working, homework, and exams. Its goal is to continue raising the level of service for customers as well as help other sales associates and new staff.
Member of the next Journeyman class for 2016 were also introduced at the ceremony. Five associates were chosen to be given special trainings this year.
DFS now has 16 Journeymen on the island after three years since introducing the program.
