Work readiness of all senior high school (SHS) graduates is something that the Department of Education (DepEd) is taking seriously.
DepEd said it has already begun conducting upskilling activities on work and professional development among SHS students to make them work-ready.
"Even amid the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic and the implementation of blended learning, we want to make sure that our learners in Senior High School will have the best opportunity available when the time comes that they want or need to be employed," Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said in a statement issued Friday, June 4.
On June 1, DepEd conducted a webinar for Grade 12 Senior High School students and teachers on "Building an Impactful Resume and Online Professional Brand” in partnership with Microsoft Philippines.
The department disclosed that it is eyeing to conduct training SHS learners on Microsoft Learn, Microsoft Imagine Academy, and LinkedIn Learning.
"Through these activities, learners can acquire necessary competencies and digital certifications by completing learning paths in digital productivity, computer sciences, cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science aligned to in-demand jobs globally,” it said.
DepEd vowed to forge partnership with the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) to tap more industries that will provide the learners with work experience and possible employment opportunities.
It said the SHS Internship and Immersion Program for Grade 11 learners will be developed and expanded though the agency’s partnership with ECOP.
"With these initiatives, students are upskilled, and what they have learned through their basic education is reinforced with more skills training while the industry sector is made aware of the capacities and potential of SHS graduates," Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del Pascua said.
The department is likewise expected to "revisit and expand the SHS Internship and Immersion program and align the curriculum guide with the current situation and regional direction."
"A paradigm shift and an open and optimistic mind can change the future of our Filipino youth and move towards the success of the Philippine K to 12 basic education program,” Pascua said.