MANILA -- Grade 12 Senior High School graduates are job-ready due to the work immersion program included in their curriculum, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Monday.
The first batch of Grade 12 students are expected to graduate in March, completing the K to 12 Basic Education Program.
The department made the statement following the concern of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on the minimum number of training hours required from SHS graduates.
"The K to 12 program has equipped the students with the values, knowledge and skills that the industries need. Our strong partnership with different industries would also enable our graduates to strike a balance between theory and practice," DepEd said.
Based on DepEd Order (DO) no. 30 series 2017 or the Guidelines for Work Immersion, students are required a minimum of 80 hours of work immersion. The agency also pointed out that under the law, someone below 18 but older than 15 years old must spend maximum of 40 hours per week and no more than 8 hours per day during work immersion.
DepEd explained the student's practical experience is not limited to 80 hours because schools may have several delivery models depending on the students' needs, the school's capabilities and compliance to the DO no. 30, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
With the varying delivery models that schools may have, they may choose to offer different number of hours (80, 240 and 320), according to DepEd, adding that the schools may design their delivery model depending on the situation or concern. The DepEd regional office is in charge of approving the delivery model.
"Work immersion may be conducted in different ways and time frame as needed by the students. This provides them the opportunity to be familiar with the work environment, and enable them to apply their competencies in areas of specialization in these environments," DepEd said.
The agency also noted that the DO no. 30 would also help students develop their practical skills and work ethics. (PNA)
