OJT program seen to solve job-skills mismatch

The country is seen to solve job-skills mismatch problem in three years through on the job training (OJT) and dual tech program being espoused by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC).

In a press conference, Personnel Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) president Emerico O. de Guzman said graduates of the dual tech program has 90 percent more chance of landing a job upon graduation than those who finished in the normal universities and colleges.

“The companies would prefer to hire somebody they already know. After two years of studying with them, the student upon graduation will be ready to join the workforce immediately,” de Guzman explained.

Under the dual tech program, the student will combine formal education with OJT for two years. The company where the student finishes its OJT will shoulder the two-year education.

According to the Semiconductors and Electronics Industries in the Philippines (SEIPI), most fresh graduates need six months training before they can be productive in the company.

As such, NCC co-chair Ambassador Cesar B. Bautista proposed SEIPI and other private sector groups sit down and discuss changes in the school curriculum.