MORE than 3,000 out-of-school youth will be trained in construction, services and hospitality, automotive servicing and marketing with the help of the United States Agency for International Development, Philippine Business for Education, and other companies.

Youth in Metro Manila and Cagayan de Oro will be the recipients of the P42.9-million agreement forged by these agencies that will be implemented through YouthWorks PH.

YouthWorks PH, a five-year private sector-led employability program, has opened up more than 13,000 training positions in different industries nationwide.

“This partnership launch will build on YouthWorks PH’s existing suite of skills training resources in pandemic resilient industries. The partnerships we are forging today will also fill gaps in vital and growing sectors, like in automotive servicing and marketing,” Ramon del Rosario Jr., chairman of the PBEd Board of Trustees, said.

Asiapro Multi-purpose Cooperative, which offers customized services solutions for different industries, will provide P41-million worth of training support to 3,000 youth who are interested to work in the construction industry.

YouthWorks partnership with Blogapalooza, Inc. and Greencars Mindanao Corporation with Crossroads Training Institute will open opportunities for the youth. The partnership with Blogapalooza, Inc., the Philippines’ premier influencer marketing company, will give the youth a chance to try out their talents in the field of marketing and graphic design.

Greencars Mindanao Corporation with Crossroads Training Institute, on the other hand, will provide automotive servicing courses to the youth in Cagayan de Oro.

Luljetta’s Place and Alrose Group of Companies will open at least 15 and 30 on-the-job training opportunities, respectively. This opens the door for youths to train for work in kitchen and front desk services, housekeeping, and administrative positions in Metro Manila, Cagayan de Oro, and Iligan.

Messy Bessy Cleaners and HOUSE (Helping Ourselves Through Sustainable Enterprises) Foundation will provide training and work opportunities for social enterprise also await 15 youth trainees.

Universidad de Manila, which has a newly established Center for Micro-credential and Industry Training, offers short-term and specialized skills programs with certification. Strategic partnership with UdM-CMIT will provide skills training and endorsement of trainees to their partner companies for work-based training.

USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn thanked the companies that supported the program for helping the youth.

“The opportunities that your companies will provide will help the youth become better individuals. More importantly, the skills they will learn will develop them into productive employees or entrepreneurs, community change makers, and leaders who could help steer the country’s economic recovery from the impacts of the pandemic,” Washburn said.