THE UNITED States Agency for International Development and the Philippine Business for Education launched a program to provide free technical-vocational skills and boost the employability of nearly 4,000 unemployed and out-of-school Filipino youth.

USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn and PBEd Board of Trustees Chairman Ramon del Rosario Jr. formalized the collaboration with seven private sector companies and one university from Metro Manila and Cagayan de Oro.

The partnership will contribute more than P42 million worth of support to co-sponsor the training needs of youth aged 18 to 30 under the YouthWorks PH project.

“The skills that the out-of-school youth learn will develop them into productive employees or entrepreneurs, community change makers, and leaders who will contribute to helping steer the country’s economic recovery from the impacts of the pandemic,” Washburn said.

“As the Philippines’ enduring friend, partner, and ally, the United States remains committed to partnering with Philippine stakeholders to sustain and accelerate inclusive growth, especially for the country’s youth,” he added.

Under the program, the institutions will provide free skills training, allowances, and mentoring in sectors such as construction, services and hospitality, retail, manufacturing, and logistics.

Youth participants are also placed in on-the-job training slots, with the promise of employment with the partner companies once they complete the program and qualify.

Asiapro Multi-purpose Cooperative will offer P41 million worth of training and employment support and 300 employment opportunities in their partner construction companies.

Blogapalooza, on the other hand, will open at least 25 on-the-job training slots in the field of marketing and design worth P50,000.

Greencars Mindanao Corp. and Crossroads Training Institute will pioneer work-based training opportunities in the automotive industry for at least 50 on-the-job training slots in Cagayan de Oro worth P800,000.

Meanwhile, Universidad de Manila will offer short-term and specialized skills programs with certification under its newly-established Center for Micro-credential and Industry Training and endorsement to partner companies for work-based training.

Similarly, Luljetta’s Place will open at least 15 on-the-job training opportunities on the hospitality and tourism industry worth P100,000; Alrose Group of Companies will offer at least 30 in-company training slots in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City worth P500,000; and House Foundation with Messy Bessy Cleaners will accommodate at least 15 on-the-job training slots to work on a social enterprise with training value worth P500,000.

“This partnership launch builds on YouthWorks PH’s existing suite of skills training resources in pandemic-resilient industries. Importantly, the partnerships we are forging today will also fill gaps in vital and growing sectors, such as the automotive sector and ICT,” Del Rosario said.