SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – Many students still struggle to find jobs after graduation, prompting schools, companies and the government to work together to improve internships and on-the-job training.
An example of this collaboration is the Industry-Academe Interface hosted by Saint Louis College (SLC) in San Fernando City on April 7, which focused on helping schools prepare students for work with support from industry and government partners.
Now in its 16th year, the event included a roundtable discussion between school and industry representatives to explore ways to strengthen internships and guide students into future careers.
The focus of this year’s event was clear: to ensure students are well-prepared for careers by creating a stronger partnership between schools, industries and government agencies.
This partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical workplace experience.
Lacking training, experience
Richelle Andrea Franco, alternate lead for Information Technology and Database Development at the Department of Agriculture (DA) 1 and one of the industry participants, said that many students know how to use technology and finish tasks on time.
“They are well-versed in technical skills, fast learners and quick to adapt,” Franco said.
Franco added that though most trainees are skilled, they fall short of the required experience for available positions in the agency.
“From the industries’ perspective, on-the-job trainees need additional training and work experience for possible absorption,” Franco added.
This is where government programs come in to help fill the gap.
Government support
An example of government support is the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) and the Government Internship Program (GIP) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
In the Ilocos Region, there were 3,211 SPES grantees and 8,166 GIP interns for 2024, according to data presented by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 1 in its fourth-quarter regional economic situation.
These give fresh graduates a chance to gain real work experience and help them get hired faster.
SPES helps poor but deserving students by giving them temporary work during summer or school breaks, allowing them to earn while continuing their education.
The GIP, meanwhile, helps first-time job seekers by giving them short-term work in government offices.
These interventions have been vital, with a total of 117,736 job applicants — including fresh graduates with SPES and GIP experience — hired last year through placements facilitated by Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) across the region.
This shows how government support, combined with help from schools, makes it easier for young people to find jobs.
But it’s not just about government help — schools also benefit from working closely with industries.
Collaboration
Marie Ann Fontanilla, program head for Information Technology (IT) at SLC, said real work experience makes a big difference for students.
“Real-world expertise and mentorship from our partner stakeholders have allowed our students to gain practical skills and insights into their chosen careers,” she said.
Fontanilla added that collaborating with industry partners enables them to gather insights and suggestions to improve their programs and better prepare students for the workforce.
This kind of teamwork helps schools design better training for students.
Moving forward
Jerico Andaya, an IT student from SLC, shared that he gained valuable insights into personal and professional growth during his ongoing internship at the Philippine Information Agency.
“My experience taught me that productivity, correct exposure, skill development and collaboration with others can help me overcome my shyness and improve my capacity to communicate with people,” he said.
With the help of schools, companies and government programs, more students in the region can get the experience they need to start their careers strong.
By continuing to strengthen ties between academia, industry and government, young people in the region will be better equipped to thrive in the workforce and meet the challenges of an ever-evolving job market.
Through initiatives like the Industry-Academe Interface, the partnership between these sectors proves to be a crucial mechanism in shaping the next generation of professionals. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
