Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with over 170 institutions from various sectors to further strengthen the employability of Senior High School (SHS) graduates. This collaboration aims to ensure that the curriculum and training provided to students align with the demands of the modern workforce.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative was launched during the DepEd-Industry Dialogue on Global Competitiveness, Innovation, and Preparing Senior High School Learners for the Jobs of the Future, held on Tuesday. DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the move is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives to enhance the quality of education and global competitiveness among the Filipino workforce. Angara highlighted the importance of equipping graduates with hands-on experience and competencies that match industry requirements.
Industry representatives participating in the dialogue pointed out the necessity of adapting to rapid technological disruptions. They highlighted that entry-level positions now require skills in complex decision-making, critical thinking, and advanced digital capabilities. Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on embedding workplace safety standards, essential soft skills, and ethical values in early career training to help SHS graduates thrive in demanding work environments.
Secretary Angara assured stakeholders that these evolving trends will be addressed through a revised curriculum and expanded work immersion opportunities. "We are refining our curriculum and expanding our Enhanced Work Immersion Program because our learners deserve real pathways to quality jobs, entrepreneurship, and higher learning," he stated. Industry partners have shown significant support for these efforts, committing to provide slots for SHS learners in work immersion programs.
As of Tuesday, over 60 percent of the 50,000 target work immersion slots have been pledged by partner associations, covering 1,100 job roles across sectors such as manufacturing, semiconductors, IT-BPM, creative industries, healthcare, construction, automotive, energy, logistics, agribusiness, financial services, and tourism. The dialogues focused on aligning the Strengthened Senior High School (SSHS) Curriculum and Work Immersion Program with global workforce trends.
DepEd is also streamlining the SHS framework from four tracks to two: Academic and Technical-Professional (TechPro). This strategy provides learners with subject flexibility and industry-guided work opportunities. Under the TechPro track, students gain access to structured work immersions, joint training plans, hands-on mentoring, and industry assessments linked to national skills certifications. This approach aims to align the Philippine Qualifications Framework with industry skills standards, facilitating roles for technicians, technologists, and associate professionals.
