The DOLE JobStart Philippines Program is a program by the Department of Labor and Employment designed to bridge the gap between young Filipinos aged 18 to 24 and the job market. This addresses the prolonged job search many young people face and the skills mismatch in the current labor market. By providing life skills and technical training, along with paid internships and full-cycle employment facilitation services, JobStart equips the youth with the necessary tools to be competitive in the workforce. Its legal grounding in Republic Act 10869, along with Department Order No. 179, ensures a structured approach to enhancing young Filipinos’ employability.
Targeted at Filipino citizens within the specified age group who have at least completed high school and are not currently engaged in education, employment, or training, the initiative aims to cater to those with less than one year of work experience. Participants can expect holistic development effort that includes life skills training to improve soft skills like communication and teamwork, technical training for job-specific skills, and paid internships to gain practical experience. Moreover, this offers employment facilitation to help reduce the job search time, connecting participants efficiently with potential employers. Overall, JobStart Philippines stands as a comprehensive platform for young Filipinos to jumpstart their careers, promising a brighter future by equipping them with the skills and experiences necessary for success in the labor market.
What is the DOLE JobStart Philippines Program?
At its core, JobStart Philippines is a transformative initiative by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) designed to enhance the employability of young Filipinos aged 18 to 24. This is a strategic response to the extended job search period and the mismatch in skills required by industries. Through life skills and technical training, paid internships, and full-cycle employment facilitation services, JobStart aims to prepare the youth for the workforce.
Significance of the Program
The DOLE JobStart Philippines Program helps bridge the gap between Filipino youth and the labor market, as evidenced by its success in exceeding its target and assisting over 7,423 young people in 2022 alone. This initiative is particularly significant in light of Republic Act 10869, which highlights the need to address the challenges faced by youth in transitioning from education to employment. By providing life skills training, technical skills development, and paid internships, JobStart empowers young Filipinos to become more competitive in the job market, ultimately contributing to a more productive and well-equipped workforce.
Legal Basis
Rooted in Republic Act 10869, or the JobStart law, and further cemented by Department Order No. 179, the initiative has a strong legal framework. These documents outline the implementing rules and regulations, ensuring a structured and impactful execution of the program.
Benefits
JobStart Philippines offers a multitude of benefits, designed to uplift the youth and pave their way to successful careers. Here are the key advantages:
- Life Skills Training: Equips participants with essential soft skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
- Technical Skills Training: Provides industry-specific skills that increase participants’ marketability.
- Paid Internship: Offers practical workplace experience with a stipend not less than 75% of the local minimum wage.
- Employment Facilitation: Connects participants with potential employers, reducing the job search period.
Eligibility / Qualifications
To tap into this program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Filipino citizenship.
- Age between 18 to 24 years (17-year-olds can register if they turn 18 before technical training).
- Minimum educational attainment of high school level.
- Not currently engaged in education, employment, or training (NEET).
- Less than one year of work experience.
Requirements
Ready to join? Here’s what you need:
- A valid ID for proof of age and citizenship.
- High school diploma or its equivalent.
- A filled-out application form available at your local PESO.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Join JobStart Philippines
Embark on your JobStart journey with these simple steps:
- Visit Your Local PESO: Locate the nearest Public Employment Service Office and inquire about JobStart.
- Register: Complete the registration process with the help of PESO staff, ensuring you have all necessary documents.
- Undergo Assessment: Participate in an assessment to identify your strengths and areas for development.
- Attend Training: Engage in life skills and technical training sessions as per your assessment results.
- Participate in Internship: Gain hands-on experience through an internship matched to your skills and interests.
- Receive Referrals: Based on your performance and readiness, receive job referrals or further training recommendations.
Recent Updates
DOLE-BLE Briefs Mongolian Delegation on JobStart Philippines Program
On February 16, 2024, the DOLE-Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) hosted a briefing for the Mongolian government delegation from the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (MLSP) on the JobStart Philippines (JSP). The MLSP delegation, as part of their study tour in the Philippines, sought to gain insights into the country’s employment strategies, with a particular focus on the JSP. Their interest in this reflects their desire to explore innovative approaches to help young Mongolians integrate into a dynamic labor market.
In this video, young individuals share their experiences of facing the daunting task of finding employment as fresh graduates. With no prior work experience, they express their struggles and uncertainties. However, thanks to the JobStart Philippines implemented by the local government unit (LGU) through PEESO Tagum City, these young individuals were able to secure decent jobs. Watch the video to learn more about their journey and how they overcame these challenges.
FoundEver Philippines is excited to announce its partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to enhance youth employment initiatives nationwide. This collaboration aims to promote skills development, create more opportunities, and empower Filipino youth in the workforce. Stay updated on our joint initiatives by following @foundever_philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has taken a proactive step to expand the JobStart Philippines by inviting nominations for new implementing areas. With the aim of increasing the program’s reach and impact, 16 new areas have been nominated as of February 16, 2024.
DOLE Region 08 and PESO Tacloban recently completed a benchmarking activity on the JobStart program implementation in the City of Ilagan, Isabela. The activity aimed to learn from the successful strategies applied by the City of Ilagan’s PESO in job placement and generation. Employers of benchmarked establishments emphasized how the initiative not only addressed their staffing needs but also contributed to the professional development of the trainees.
Video: JobStart Philippines program video
The JobStart Philippines is dedicated to empowering at-risk youth by equipping them with the necessary skills and support to secure meaningful employment. Through partnerships with four pilot institutionalized PESOs in Quezon City, Taguig City, General Trias City, and San Fernando City, the initiative aims to provide career development pathways and opportunities for young Filipinos to enhance their technical skills and life skills.
Conclusion
The DOLE JobStart Philippines Program is more than just a pathway to employment; it’s a journey towards self-discovery, skill enhancement, and ultimately, empowerment. By reducing the job-search period and increasing employability, JobStart serves as an important stepping stone for young Filipinos, setting them on the path to success. If you find yourself within the age bracket and eager to kickstart your career, this initiative is tailored for you. Embrace the opportunity, and let the journey begin!