Context: In the Philippines, youth unemployment continues to play a role in hampering meaningful economic development. In July 2020, the number unemployed Filipinos aged 15–24 was estimated at 4.6 million. This was 2.1 million higher than in July 2019, largely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education and employment sectors, and adverse effects on students’ transitions to enter the work force.
Implementation of programme/ initiative: Since 2017, the Work Immersion Program for senior high school students has been implemented by the Filipino Government’s Department of Education (DepEd) and supported by The Asia Foundation’s Coalitions for Change (CFC), working alongside national and local government agencies, private and public enterprises and nongovernmental organizations. The Program is offered as a pre-requisite to graduation to Grade 11 and 12 students, aged 15–18, of DepEd public schools, private schools, state colleges and universities, and technical-vocational institutions. Due to the lack of knowledge, skills, and work experience that puts students at a disadvantage, as part of the programme, DepEd has made it a requirement for them to attain hands-on experience through work simulation of their chosen track to give them greater opportunities to apply their knowledge and capabilities. Participating students are trained, having close mentorship in their work environment with industry supervisors for a period of 80–320 hours during their two years of study. Learners cannot exceed eight working hours per day, anytime between 06.00-18.00 hours. To prepare for Work Immersion, learners have to take four specialized subjects where they can gain experience in a work environment related to their field of specialization. This aims to better equip senior high school students for college, work or business; develop life and career skills; and have attitudes, appreciation and respect for work. It also allows them to have a smooth transition from school to work after they gain valuable experience.
Main challenges: The 2018 Program report outlined certain inconsistencies; in particular there were suggestions of variations in workplace effectiveness of the Program, including with regard to relationships between Work Immersion supervisors and learners. In different areas of work, the number of tasks assigned to students varied; for instance, learners in Accountancy, Business and Management learned a lot during their experience in a bank setting, as well as future employment opportunities, whereas those in the General Academic Strand reported that they were only given minimal duties. Therefore, more years, along with adjustments in the Program are likely to be needed to show more coherent effectiveness of the Program.
Results achieved: Since its operation in the school year 2017—2018, over 390,000 senior high school students have undergone the Work Immersion Program, with 60 per cent subsequently becoming employed. To date, the Program has been achieving good results, for instance, with a high passing rate in National Certification for tourism-related specializations and graduates joining the workforce right after graduation.
Moving Forward: Looking ahead, Work Immersion will help the DepEd Bureau of Curriculum Development recognize the need for a curriculum in more education institutions that responds to local government and industry priorities. DepEd is looking to identify more companies willing to provide immersion opportunities and venues for student learning at the local level, and find linkages with industry partners for greater support in enhancing skills and training.
Replicability: The Work Immersion initiative demonstrates how national and local governments and industries can better coordinate and learn from each other through close collaboration in designing curricula and learning materials that will help senior high school graduates compete in high-growth, high-value and high-employment sectors. DepEd intent to pay close attention to changing job markets and provide relevant training and work experience programmes shows the importance of adjusting to industry expectations and better preparing youth for the world of work. The Program thus provides useful lessons in showing how to help reduce youth unemployment by increasing the number of more-skilled young candidates that join the workforce and boost development in the economic sector and beyond.
Acknowledgement:
This good practice was kindly prepared by Ms. Alysha Brahmantiara Putri.
References:
https://asiafoundation.org/publication/work-immersion-real-world-experience-at-senior-high/
https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/sunstar-pampanga/20190507/281603831898716
https://mb.com.ph/2020/02/08/work-immersion-for-shs-not-suspended-deped/
Project Details
Date: January 29, 2021