The Provincial Government of Samar launched one of its latest programs centered on human capital development, the JobsNext 2.0 Program, recently at the Tandaya Hall, Catbalogan City.
JobsNext is a skills voucher program implemented by Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), in partnership with Citi Foundation. The program aims to equip the workforce with skills for jobs of the future, by providing industry-relevant, up-to-date, and demand-driven training programs, in collaboration with local government units.
In the latter part of 2022, the Provincial Government of Samar, through Governor Sharee Ann Tan, has inked a partnership with Philippine Business for Education for the JobsNext Program in the province.
“We need to learn and understand these new technologies that dictate the future jobs.”
Tan, in her message said, “We really want to come up with more development programs for our people. We need to learn and understand these new technologies that dictate the future jobs.”
“If we will not engage with the demands of digitization, we will be left behind. I hope our youth will take advantage of this opportunity so we can be at par with the developing countries,” the lady governor added.
“They won’t only be helping themselves, but they will also help the economic progress of our province.”
Meanwhile, John Michael Cristobal, Public Employment Service Officer said, “We are happy to bring new opportunities to our youth, because we want to be a champion for their progress. They won’t only be helping themselves, but they will also help the economic progress of our province.”
In its initial year, the province has already created the Samar Future Skills Council tasked to identify priority programs and skills, approve and develop Future Skills Roadmap, oversee local labor market index, and accredited programs and institutions, among others.
In 2023, the province, through its Public Employment Service Office and Provincial Youth Development Office, conducted JobsNext Orientation and Walkthrough in 12 municipalities, and 24 learning institutions including universities, private colleges, and Senior High Schools.
This 2024, the province aims to offer holistic trainings and enhanced programs, focusing on foundation skills, and specialized skills for better chances of employability.
Partnerships with stakeholders will likewise be strengthened, whereby collaboration with partner-industry experts will be created, to provide individuals with leadership training, mentoring, guidance, and counseling.
