SENATOR Jinggoy Estrada has endorsed for plenary deliberations a measure pushing for reforms in the government’s apprenticeship program that would ensure the protection of trainee workers from labor violations.

Estrada’s Senate Bill 2491 aims to create a new system for the National Apprenticeship Program to ensure that new generation workers will be equipped with the necessary skills for well-paying and stable jobs and at the same time address the skills gap that threatens the country’s competitiveness in a global economy.

“Human resources development is vital for inclusive national growth. Ngayong patuloy na bumabalik sa normal ang ating ekonomiya patungo sa pre-pandemic levels, nararapat lamang na tumbasan natin ito ng mga polisiyang magpapalakas sa Filipino workforce, lalo na sa tinatawag na highly technical occupations,” Estrada said.

Under SB 2491, apprentices who are 15 years old and above seeking actual work exposure via the technical and vocational training supervised by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will be entitled to an allowance which shall not be below 75 percent of the applicable minimum wage rates; accident or disability insurance; and will no longer be required to undergo probationary period if eventually hired by the company.

Such workers, however, must pass a set of aptitude tests designed by TESDA to determine their readiness for apprenticeship.

They are also required to undergo TESDA’s national assessment before they can be awarded a national certificate or certificate of competency.

Certified apprentices shall be awarded equivalent unit credits in the formal system of education that can be used in pursuing tertiary degree courses subject to the integrated policies and guidelines on equivalency and the Recognition of Prior Learning of the TESDA, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Department of Education.

Companies that would be included in the apprenticeship program are entitled to “sweeteners” through tax incentives from the national government.

Enterprises will be allowed to deduct from their taxable income fifty percent or one-half of the labor training expenses incurred during the program.