The U.S. government and Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) launched YouthWorks PH Recruitment Drive, part of a five-year, Php1.8 billion public-private partnership to provide life skills and employability workshops for at least 20,000 unemployed, out-of-school youth ages 18-24. YouthWorks PH will connect youth to work-based training opportunities.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim and PBEd Chairman Ramon del Rosario formally opened the recruitment drive, giving remarks to the approximately 500 youth from Quezon City and San Juan in attendance.

Ambassador Kim told the participants, “I would like to congratulate you for taking this step toward a promising future. As a friend, partner, and ally, the United States remains committed to supporting you on your journey.” He also emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment to working with local businesses and schools to expand access to education and create increased livelihood and employment opportunities for youth.

PBEd chairman del Rosario stressed the importance of training young people in fast-growing industries such as the hospitality and tourism sectors in order to take advantage of these sectors’ expanding job opportunities.

YouthWorks PH’s work-based training approach provides youth with the opportunity to earn skills certificates while receiving training and financial support from partner companies. The project will offer at least 4,000 qualified participants the opportunity to become full-time employees at the companies where they train.

During the event, the Quezon City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) conducted workshops on work-readiness and life skills for the attendees. Many participants signed up for work-based training programs under YouthWorks PH partner Punlaan School, which trains students and connects them to employment opportunities through its private sector partners in the tourism and hospitality industry. Punlaan School will provide at least 40 scholarships for courses in cookery and hospitality to youth who applied at today’s recruitment drive.

As part of its national roll-out, YouthWorks PH will soon hold similar recruitment events in Makati, Iloilo, Cebu, Bohol, General Santos, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao. The events will feature employability workshops and showcase local schools and companies offering work-based training programs under the project.