THE UNITED States Agency for International Development, the Office of the Vice President, and the Philippine Business for Education joined hands to provide free technical-vocational skills and employability training to over 1,000 unemployed and out-of-school youth.

The OVP, through its TrabaHOPE program, will co-sponsor the training needs of youth aged 18-30 who qualify for YouthWorks PH — USAID’s private sector-driven employability initiative with PBEd.

YouthWorks PH provides free technical-vocational training for the youth who are not studying, training or employed.

The combined P17-million commitment from OVP, USAID, and PBEd will cover the training costs for YouthWorks PH participants until the end of 2020.

This is in addition to the support given by the project’s private sector partners. These partners in the food and beverage services, construction, manufacturing, and information technology industries will provide the daily allowance of the trainees and opportunities for employment.

The OVP will also contribute to the daily allowance of the participants. They will also give welcome kits, hands-on materials, mobile/internet allowance, learning devices, pre-employment support, online mentoring, online/blended tech-voc training, and TESDA national certification provided by YouthWorks.

“We are grateful for this partnership with USAID and PBEd, which will allow us to open more doors for young people, who may be supporting themselves and their families, especially during the Covid19 crisis,” Vice President Leni Robredo said.

“This collaboration is yet more proof that the spirit of Bayanihan continues to inspire our commitment to uplift the lives of those who are in need,” she added.

“The opportunities that this partnership will bring to participating youth will be an important boost toward a brighter future,” USAID Philippines Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II said.

“USAID remains committed to working with our partners in government and the private sector to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and sustainable for all,” Hardy added.

Meanwhile, PBEd Chair Ramon del Rosario said the partnership will have meaningful impact on the lives of underprivileged young Filipinos who are in dire need of learning and livelihood opportunities.

“We are still in the midst of the Covid19 pandemic, and the OVP’s commitment to support our trainees will empower young Pinoys who are disproportionately affected by this crisis,” Del Rosario said.