FOLLOWING the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian aims to increase job readiness among technical-vocational education and training (TVET) graduates in the country.

The landmark law, co-authored by Gatchalian, seeks to strengthen, rationalize, and harmonize programs such as apprenticeship, learnership, and the dual training system under a competency-based and industry-driven EBET framework.

The law ensures ease of implementation of training initiatives by enterprises and guarantees access to training for individuals seeking to upgrade their skills for employment or career progression.

Gatchalian hopes that the law will increase EBET programs, which refer to tech-voc training delivered by enterprises, including private individuals, partnerships, corporations, or entities.

“Enterprise-based training gives us effective mechanisms to address jobs-skills mismatch and strengthen the collaboration between industries and the education sector. Sa pamamagitan ng mga ganitong programa, matitiyak nating handa ang ating mga TVET graduates na maging bahagi ng ating mga industriya,” said Gatchalian.

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) previously raised that, despite the efficacy of enterprise-based training and apprenticeship programs in providing skills and guaranteeing superior labor market outcomes, they remain the least popular modality in TVET. In 2022, enterprise-based trainees accounted for only 9% of total TVET enrollment.

An Asian Development Bank study also pointed out that while some skills may be irrelevant due to rapid technological change, enterprise-based training offers an edge because it is aligned with rapidly evolving workplace and workshop needs.