The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), continues to equip young Filipinos with workplace and financial readiness skills through the Kabataang Trabaho Konek JobStart Program.

The Kabataang Trabaho Konek JobStart Program provides youth beneficiaries with practical knowledge and hands-on training to help prepare them for future employment.

Now on its ninth day, the 10-day skills training program focused on workplace preparedness, responsible financial management, and essential employment skills for the 205 youth participants under Batch 4 of the initiative.

In a Facebook post, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian highlighted the importance of the program in preparing the youth for future careers.

“Interactive discussions and role-playing activities helped our young beneficiaries learn customer service, conflict resolution, and responsible financial management as they prepare for future employment,” Secretary Gatchalian said on Tuesday (June 2).

The DSWD chief also emphasized the continued collaboration with DOLE in strengthening employment opportunities for young Filipinos in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Through the partnership of DSWD and DOLE under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we continue to equip our youth with the knowledge and skills needed to build successful careers,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

Aside from skills development sessions, participants also receive Php695 daily cash-for-training (CFT) assistance under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program of the DSWD.

One of the program’s beneficiaries, Kristine Joy Mendoza, shared how the training helped her gain confidence and eventually secure employment abroad.

“Malaking tulong nito sa akin lalo na sa topic na interview. Nagamit ko siya as an applicant going to Taiwan as a factory worker. Kung hindi ako sumali sa Trabaho Konek, hindi ako nakapasa sa past two interviews ko. Salamat po nang marami, dahil dito may trabaho na ako ngayon,” Mendoza shared.

The Kabataang Trabaho Konek JobStart Program is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen youth employability, enhance workforce readiness, and provide vulnerable sectors with greater access to sustainable livelihood and employment opportunities. (CC)