BLE conducts a JobStart orientation virtually for 2024 implementers.
Top photo: BLE-JobStart Team (first row, second tile and third row, third and fifth tile) with Luzon implementers
Bottom photo: BLE-JobStart Team (first row, second, fourth, and fifth tiles) with VIsayas and Mindanao implementers
BLE conducts JobStart Orientation Activity for 2024 implementing areas
by Cristine Adelaine Gavino
In line with the first priority of the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2023-2028 of maximizing freely chosen, sustainable, and remunerative work opportunities, the Bureau of Local Employment’s (BLE) Youth Employability Programs (YEP) Unit recently orchestrated a Orientation Activity for the 33 JobStart implementing areas for Fiscal Year 2024, a pivotal event aimed at increasing the employability and employment opportunities for youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET). This year's sessions, which took place via Zoom Teleconferencing on 11-12 April 2024 (Luzon Cluster) and 16 April 2024 (VisMin Cluster), marked a significant step forward in fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.
Bringing together focal persons from the DOLE Regional and Field/Provincial Offices and Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) (65 from the Luzon Cluster and 68 from the VisMin Cluster), the event delved into comprehensive discussions and strategic planning sessions. The focus was on refining the program's previous implementation and addressing emerging challenges in youth employment for FY 2024.
The BLE-JobStart Team led insightful lectures covering the program’s operations. Topics included employer engagement and trainee registration, life skills and technical training and internship, monitoring and evaluation, financial operations, branding and advocacy, and the functionalities of online platforms such as Life Skills Training Learning Management System (LMS), PESO Employment Information System (PEIS), and Youth Employment Exchange (YEE).
Post-lecture sessions were marked by engaging discussions and a lively Q&A segment, during which participants voiced inquiries and insights, with a notable focus on understanding and optimizing the program's financial operations.
The JobStart Orientation Activity serves as a cornerstone in sustaining and amplifying collaboration among regional stakeholders, PESOs, and the BLE, aligning efforts towards a shared goal of empowering more youth in securing meaningful employment opportunities. By reinforcing their skills and competencies, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) can better cater to the evolving needs of the youth workforce, ensuring a brighter future for them and the nation.