Transition programs offer solution to redundancy burden

MANILA, Philippines - The global economic crisis continues to wreak havoc on companies worldwide, with corporations laying off workers as part of streamlining operations and cutting costs. Multinational companies in the Philippines also feel the crunch, forcing them to reduce the number of their workforce to stay afloat amid the bleak economic scenario.

While foreign corporations implement a designated transition program for their workers, the same cannot be said about all companies in the Philippines. Some employees are simply let go with their severance package and nothing more.

A professional transition program may be the solution to aid companies that need to sever ties with redundant employees. The Center for Aesthetic Studies (CAS), under the auspices of the ISDANCO Foundation, is one of the few institutions locally that offer such a program.

Under the program, individuals undergo skills-based training that can be used immediately to augment the family income before acquiring another job. These skills include basic haircutting, basic nail care, basic make-up and salon management, which can be used by the student as a source of livelihood in his/her own neighborhood, either in a salon or as a freelance stylist.

Tisha C. Bautista, president of CAS, says that the Professional Transition Program targets two markets: (1) companies that need to alleviate the burden of unemployment caused by redundancy, and (2) employees who can avail of the service directly to undergo training for additional, worthwhile skills.

“Companies affected by the current economic climate that need to let go of a number of its employees can choose to avail of this transition program with our school. The program will allow their employees to acquire skills that can directly and immediately assist in augmenting their family’s income,” Bautista said. “At the same time, the employees themselves who realize the need to acquire additional skills can go to us directly to avail of the training. The program literally transitions the worker in between finding jobs, such that his/her family will not feel the economic difference.”

Training sessions are conducted in the newly renovated CAS facility, where each laboratory is equipped with the appropriate equipment, furniture, and tools. Instruction is the typical class-lecture, hands-on application and exercises based on practical scenarios. Evaluation is based on written and practical examinations.

“At the same time, CAS can also accommodate custom-made programs based on the need of the client and their workers so that classes can even be conducted in their own facilities,” Bautista added.

Instructors of the course programs at CAS are internationally trained and have significant experience in the Philippine beauty industry. They impart the same skills and value to work they have espoused for at least five years, with the end goal of setting standards and professionalizing the Philippine beauty industry.

The program ranges from one to six months depending on the course. At the end, students are expected to use the skills they learn by practicing as freelance stylists to augment their family’s income. Other students can also use the course as their basis for taking further studies abroad.

“They can style hair in their neighborhoods, or apply makeup for parties, graduation, or even weddings. Presently, typical bridal makeup can earn about P5,000 for a makeup artist. To maximize their learning experience, they may decide to open up their salon. With their newfound skills in styling and salon management, this will be a true career change for them,” Bautista said.

CAS decided to further promote its Professional Transition Programs after receiving several inquiries from companies in the aftermath of the global economic meltdown. Bautista, however, clarified that the center has been offering the program as part of employees’ Education Benefits package. This is a form of incentive of loyalty to a company, where the employees themselves take the course to acquire new skills. Since it is completely transferable, employees may give it to their children or relatives. And since the school is owned by a foundation, availing of the program is a tax-deductible expense.

Bautista added: “The program just recently found a more receptive market as part of an employee’s severance package. We were surprised by the inquiries we received from companies who are looking for programs like these. On the other hand, for the unemployed, the program may be the passport to gain them re-entry into the workplace. It may not necessarily be in the same industry they were in, but in an industry where their newfound skills will find a welcome home. And since the Filipino worker will always be resilient and versatile, this industry will always give them a second chance and welcome them with open arms.”

For more information, call 897-0383, 897-0307, 0918-897-0383, 0917-897-0383; e-mail cas@isdanco.org; or visit www.isdanco.org/cas or casphilippines.multiply.com.