Cebu City chosen to assist in DOLE’s program for youth

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City is one of the local government units in the country that was chosen by the Department of Labor and Employment for the JobStart Philippines Program.

With this, the city government through the Department of Manpower Development and Placement (DMDP) would facilitate in the implementation of the said program that aims to assist the youth in their career development.

“This is a school to work transition program, a project of DOLE which aims to assist the youth with career development pathways by creating opportunities to improve their technical skills and develop the life skills necessary for success in today’s competitive workplace through partnerships with employers,” DMDP chief Suzanne Ardosa said.

Yesterday, JobStart Philippines conducted an event dubbed as the “Employer Engagement Forum and Media Launching” where they introduced the program.

JobStart Program is part of the Technical Assistance Program on Employment Facilitation for Inclusive Growth implemented by DOLE, Asian Development Bank, the Government of Canada and the LGU involved.

Ardosa said the program helps in enhancing the employability of the youth through its enhanced career guidance services, life skills training, technical training (for three months), and internship or work experience with participating establishments (for three months).

DOLE Employability of Workers and Competitiveness of Enterprises Cluster Undersecretary Nicon Fameronag expressed gratitude to Mayor Michael Rama for the city’s participation in the implementation of the program.

Ardosa said application for the program will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

For starter, she said at least 200 slots for prospective youth applicants are reserved for the city.

Beneficiaries must be between 18 to 24 years old; must have graduated from high school; must not have more than one-year work experience; not currently working, nor enrolled in school or training; and are seeking for work.

DMDP personnel will conduct series of consultation with prospective employers while DOLE will capacitate its people to facilitate in the implementation of the program, said Ardosa.

Over 50 employers attended the launching yesterday.

Ardosa said she is hoping that these employers will continue to cooperate until the city implements the program in full swing next year.  (FREEMAN)