The provincial government of Ilocos Norte, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), has opened at least 85 slots to enhance the employability of young Ilocanos through the JobStart program.
Janelyn Martin, head of DOLE Ilocos Norte, said in an interview on Wednesday that application is ongoing for unemployed youth who want to undergo training on life skills with one-on-one coaching, technical education, and internship with private partner companies.
According to Martin, JobStart combines on-the-job training with practical internships and is designed to equip the youth with crucial skills before entering the workforce.
“The Provincial Employment Service Office is now recruiting participants that would be interns for this program,” Martin said.
To qualify for the program, a JobStart trainee must be a Filipino citizen; aged 18 years to 24 years old; has reached at least high school level; and not studying, working, or undergoing training at the time of the registration.
Already running for three years now in Ilocos Norte, JobStart has been institutionalized in the province through a memorandum of agreement between the provincial board and DOLE.
The selected beneficiaries shall receive an allowance for the duration of life skills and technical skills training and shall undertake an internship with establishments for a maximum of three months with a stipend of not less than 75 percent of the prevailing minimum wage in the locality.
Youth from low-income households and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and DOLE’s Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) shall be prioritized under this program.
By Leilanie Adriano(PNA)