Applications Now Open for Free Tech Voc Training for Cebuano Youth

YouthWorks PH, the youth employability project of the United States Agency for International Development and the Philippine Business for Education, is looking for qualified youth for work-based training programs offered by its partners in Cebu City and Mandaue City.

Youth aged 18-24, currently not enrolled in school, not working, and who have finished high school are eligible to apply to the technical vocational programs on offer. YouthWorks PH will be providing free pre-employment support to qualified applicants, to include costs for birth certificate submission, police clearance and other documentary requirements.

The courses include: carpentry NC II (21 days), masonry NC II (33 days), tile-setting NC II (11 days), plumbing NC II (21 days), rigging NC I (16 days) and welding NC II (34 days).

The training program includes an in-school component where the trainees will take up classes at the School of Knowledge for Industrial Labor, Leadership and Service (SKILLS) in Cebu City. At SKILLS, the trainees will be taught life skills through the Education Development Center’s Work Ready Now! Module. This covers topics on personal development, interpersonal communications, work habits and conduct, leadership, safety and health at work, worker and employer rights and responsibilities, and financial fitness. Work Ready Now! is based on internationally recognized learning standards for 21st century skills and it is adaptable for integration into literacy and numeracy programs, addressing two of the major constraints to employment for many out-of-school youth.

Afterwards, those who took up carpentry, masonry, tile-setting and plumbing will move on to the in-company portion at Primary Structures Corporation in Cebu City for on-the-job training. Meanwhile, those who took up rigging and welding will proceed to Aboitiz Construction in Mandaue City.

After finishing the training program, the trainees will receive national certifications from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and will have the opportunity to start working immediately.

To apply, interested applicants should visit www.pbed.ph/youthworksph-register, and under the Course Information, select Cebu under project site. The desired school and course can be selected afterwards.

The deadline for application is on July 26. Applicants will be contacted and screened on a first come, first served basis. For more information, visit www.pbed.ph/youthworksph.