K-12 Graduates' Work Readiness Questioned; DepEd Eyes Extended OJT

The Department of Education (DepEd) is looking to enhance the readiness of its K-12 program graduates for the workplace and adult life, following feedback from employers who find some senior high school graduates insufficiently prepared. Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced plans to significantly increase the on-the-job training (OJT) period for senior high school students, from the current 80 to 160 hours to a proposed 640 hours. "That’s the feedback we’ve received from many employers—that the senior high graduates they hire seem to still be unprepared and are not yet accustomed to an eight-hour workday," Angara stated during a House Committee on Appropriations hearing. He emphasized that extending the time learners spend in actual workplaces is crucial to address this. Angara also noted that a longer OJT period could improve graduates' chances of being hired by the companies where they trained. Employers, he explained, invest in training during OJT, increasing the likelihood of hiring those students after graduation. Beyond workplace exposure, DepEd is also revamping the curriculum by introducing a new "life skills" subject. This subject aims to equip students with competencies for various post-graduation paths, including employment, entrepreneurship, and college. It will cover essential skills such as a growth mindset, AI-related learning, and future skills relevant to evolving job markets. Angara elaborated that the subject would not be purely academic but would focus on skills that make individuals good employees, entrepreneurs, or college students, irrespective of their chosen path. He cited a survey indicating a lack of growth mindset among students, which DepEd aims to change, recognizing education's role in personal success. DepEd has proposed a budget of P975.96 billion for fiscal year 2027, which includes allocations for laptops for teachers, internet subscriptions, and ICT solutions and capacity building. The department is seeking an additional P145.19 billion for critical programs not covered under the current proposal. Information Source: GMA News Philippines