The chairperson of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Labor and Employment expressed concern over the results of a report concerning graduates of the “pandemic generation.”
“The results of the report, while expected, are troubling, and we in government should actively work to address the gaps that have been identified,” Rizal 4th District Rep. Fidel said.
“We need a national conversation on the job situation. Kailangan nating malaman kung ano ang mga pagkukulang, at ano ang maaaring gawin para mapunan ang mga ito. We need the inputs of all stakeholders concerned.”
A recent situational report by the Commission on Human Rights found that fresh graduates are finding it more difficult to find employment due to the lack of “soft skills” and practical job skills that could have been honed in face-to-face classes.
The CHR’s findings were taken from various focus group discussions with officials of the national government, prospective employers, school teachers, administrators and principals, and the youth.
The report also found that new graduates tended to experience a “culture shock” upon entering the workplace “because their expectations differ[ed] from what they were taught at school.”
It also noted that many graduates “lack job readiness,” as most students have had to undergo their internships virtually, thus, the skills they learned online “could not be translated into actual practice.”
Nograles floated the idea of the government providing a bridging program for fresh graduates that would help them acquire the skills they have missed due to the shift to online learning.
“It might be a good idea for the government to provide an avenue where new graduates can fill their skills gaps, including in areas such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking,” said the lawmaker.
Such a program could help place new graduates on equal footing with previously laid-off employees, which the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (Ecop) said are currently being prioritized by companies due to their experience.
He also emphasized the need for the government to establish linkages with industries to help identify the skills that new graduates need to land in available jobs and ensure job fit.
Nograles also said that he is mulling calling for an inquiry into the jobs situation faced by new graduates.
“We need a national conversation on the job situation. Kailangan nating malaman kung ano ang mga pagkukulang, at ano ang maaaring gawin para mapunan ang mga ito. We need the inputs of all stakeholders concerned,” said the solon.
