TO HELP train fresh graduates, the Department of Labor and Employment collaborated with the local government units of Alaminos and Dagupan in Pangasinan.

Justin Paul Marbella, DOLE Ilocos Region information officer, said the two LGUs launched the department’s JobStart program.

Under the program, 100 beneficiaries each from the two LGUs will undergo employment facilitation that includes life skills training, job matching, technical training, and internship.

“The 10-day basic life skills training has an online module that will cover office etiquettes, then the job matching wherein the local government unit will refer them to employers. This will be followed by technical training by the employers to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. After the technical training, they will proceed to internship,” Marbella said.

The beneficiaries will be given a P300 allowance, while the employers will provide them not more than 75 percent of the actual wage of their position during their internship.

“This also provides employers with work-ready employees, as some employers are hesitant to accept fresh graduates due to their lack of experience in work,” Marbella said.