PGMA Training for Work Scholarship Project launched
The PGMA Training for Work Scholarship Project (PGMA TWSP) had its regional launching in Iloilo City, May 1, led by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) VI.
The PGMA TWSP is part of the President's Pump Priming Program, wherein the government has allocated P500 million for 100,000 scholars nationwide. The project has two objectives, namely, to provide skills and competencies to job seekers through appropriate training programs that are directly connected to existing jobs for immediate employment, and to empower private education and training institutions to offer relevant training programs that meet job requirements.
The scholarship will be offered to job seekers with or without experience but willing to undergo training in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry and other industries with critical skills shortages provided they pass the assessment and profiling of TESDA and/or its private sector partners.
Other than the TESDA, the project partners of the PGMA Training for Work Scholarships are the department of labor and employment, the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Job creation, private sector organizations and training institutions.
TESDA VI Regional Director Buen Mondejar said that the launching of the PGMA TWSP, not only in Western Visayas but nationwide, is President Arroyo's response to the need for more and new jobs, especially for the youth and in general, the Filipino workers, who may opt for career change in their own country.
Mondejar also said that Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is the priority sector being tapped for employment by the government. This sector includes jobs for call center agents, medical and legal transcriptionists, animators and software developers, which are open for those ages 18-55 who must pass the assessment and profiling by TESDA in addition to other basic requirements.
Participating companies during the launching held at SM city Iloilo, were the ePLDT Ventus, MedLink Transcription Services, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation (Arevalo) Training Center, VMA Global College and St. Zita Training and Development center, Inc.
TESDA advised interested applicants to apply to the nearest BPO companies for screening and assessment or at the nearest TESDA Provincial Office.
(PIA 6/ESS)