In a press statement, DOLE Secretary Arturo Brion said the government is finding a way to address the mismatch of jobs and skills, and help graduates and young workers gain the entry-level work experience being required by various firms.
In collaboration with TESDA, he said that for the past two years, DOLE has been working with companies to implement the apprenticeship program called the "Kasanayan at Hanapbuhay" or KASH.
The labor chief explained that KASH is one of the DOLE programs that would address labor mismatch and ensure the availability of qualified workers based on industry needs and requirements while helping graduates and young workers meet the entry-level work experience which many firms usually require from applicants.
Brion also welcomed the Japanese study on the Philippine's labor industry which called for government and industry collaboration in ensuring a match between available workforce and the needs of the labor market.
He said the study would be an impetus to the DOLE's efforts in attracting more establishments to participate in the KASH program, which has been proven effective in raising the salaries of employees.
The program serves as the bridging mechanism under which the new entrants to the labor market will have the opportunity to acquire basic skills and the work experience, Brion said.
The DOLE chief urged employers to support the program, saying that this could be another demonstration of their corporate social responsibility.
TESDA records showed that the 370 firms that participated in the KASH program have accommodated at least 31,032 apprentices from January to July this year. - Wenna A. Berondo/LPM