AWARE launched to address high youth unemployment

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd), in collaboration with the US-based Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC), has launched a two-year program which aims to address the high youth unemployment rate in the country.

The Accelerating Work Achievement and Readiness for Employment, or AWARE project aims to improve employability and workforce development for youth in the National Capital Region and Cebu province.

The project is being funded by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, the philanthropic arm of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

The DepEd, EDC and the JPMorgan Chase Foundation will work with selected technical-vocational (tech-voc) schools and instructors to pilot soft-skills training and facilitate work-based learning opportunities such as on-the-job training programs with local businesses and industry partners.

The six participating schools are: Antonio J. Villegas Vocational High School, Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Vocational High School, and Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino High School in NCR; and Bitoon NVHS, Abellana NHS, and Marigondon NHS in Cebu.

Roberto Panlilio, JPMorgan Chase Philippines’ senior country officer, said AWARE supports the DepEd’s K to 12 program.

Despite registering one of the highest economic growth rates in South East Asia in 2012 and 2013, he said unemployment remained high in the country at seven percent for both years, with youth unemployment accounting for more than twice that at 16 percent in 2012.

Under the program, teachers in participating schools will undergo intensive training on how to best deliver EDC’s interactive Work Ready Now! (WRN!) curriculum.

“Work readiness and technical skills training is essential in developing the youth, molding them to become professionals and later on achieving success in their chosen field,” Panlilio said.

He said AWARE seeks to address the demand for an increasing number of skilled workers in industries that are key employment generators such as cyberservices, the hotel and restaurant industry, tourism, construction, and agribusiness.

One of the salient features of the K to 12 program is the Senior High School, which is two years of specialized upper secondary education. Students may choose a specialization based on aptitude, interests, and school capacity.

After finishing Grade 10, a student can obtain Certificates of Competency (COC) or a National Certificate Level I (NC I).