ENTERPRISE BASED TRAINING PROGRAMS

 Private firms are harnessed for technical-vocational education and training under the apprenticeship and learnership programs.

A. APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Apprenticeship program is training within employment with compulsory related instructions involving a contract between an apprentice and an employer on an approved apprenticeable occupation. The period of apprenticeship shall be for a minimum of four months and a maximum of six months.

The apprenticeship training shall have both the related theoretical instructions and on-the-job training. Related theoretical instruction means technical information based on apprenticeship standards, which provides the apprentice with theoretical competence in his trade. Whereas, on-the-the job training is the practical work experience through actual participation in productive activities given to or acquired by an apprentice in the company.

The apprentice is paid 75% of the prevailing minimum wage.

The training is covered by an apprenticeship agreement. It is a contract wherein a prospective employer binds himself to train the apprentice who in turn accepts the terms and conditions of training for a recognized apprenticeable occupation emphasizing the rights, duties and responsibilities for each party.

Qualifications to become an apprentice:

• At least 15 year old
• Physically fit for the trade/occupation in which he desires to be trained
• Have vocational aptitude and capacity for a particular occupation as determined by tests
• Be able to comprehend oral and written instructions

Not all companies can implement apprenticeship programs. Only companies in highly technical industries with apprenticeship program recognized by TESDA are authorized to recruit apprentice and only in apprenticeable occupations approved by the Department of Labor and Employment.

The apprentice is issued a Certificate of Completion by TESDA upon completion of his training. He shall also be given an appropriate certificate when he passes the required competency assessment.

B. LEARNERSHIP PROGRAM

Learnership is a practical training on the job for non-apprenticeable occupations whether or not it is supplemented by theoretical instructions, for a period not exceeding three months.

A learner is a person hired as a trainee in semi-skilled and other non-apprenticeable industrial occupations covered by a contract entered into wt\ith an employer.

Qualifications of a Learner:

• At least 15 years of age
• Able to understand instructions
• Physically fit for the occupation in which he desires to be trained
• Have the necessary aptitude and capacity for the specific learnable job

Learners are paid not less than 75% of the prevailing minimum wage. If he has completed two months of training, he is considered a regular employee. Therefore, he cannot be terminated by his employer for no justifiable reasons.

Only companies with learnership program recognized by TESA are authorized to recruit learners.

A learner is issued a Certificate of Completion by TESDA upon completion of this training. He shall also be given the appropriate certificate when he passes the required competency assessment.

LIST OF RECOGNIZED COMPANIES WITH APPRENTICESHIP ‘ LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMS