Student Testimonial

Metalworking Technology Batch 1, SY 2016-2017

Romeo Calibo T

he K to 12 PLUS project is an initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development to support the K to 12 educational reform in the Philippines. The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), alongside public and private partners, introduces elements of dual training to the Technical-VocationalLivelihood Track of Senior High Schools wherein training is conducted in two places: the school and the company.

The K to 12 PLUS project pilots an 800-hour industry immersion to ensure students get the practical training needed to be work-ready after graduation.

It’s a normal work-day for 22- year old Romeo Calibo. He moves with confidence as he makes his way through the workplace.

Romeo is a 2017 graduate of the San Pedro Relocation Center National High School. He was part of the K to 12 PLUS project, which piloted the concept of increased industry immersion hours to develop work-ready graduates. He garnered more than 1,100 hours of handson training. Romeo established himself as a quick learner, hard worker, and as someone who adapts quickly to a new environment.

I knew that I would become more skilled. 800 hours of industry immersion are more efficient for training and for developing your skills.

After graduation Romeo was hired by MHE-Demag, one of the industry partners he had trained with. He has been with the company ever since. His job allows him to provide for his family and pay for his siblings’ schooling.

“I knew that I would become more skilled,” he says about the number of immersion hours he committed.

“800 hours of industry immersion are more efficient for training and for developing your skills.”

Promoting Dual Education and Training in the Philippines

Metalworking Technology Batch 1, SY 2016-2017

Jomari Marcelino T

he K to 12 PLUS project is an initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development to support the K to 12 educational reform in the Philippines. The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), alongside public and private partners, introduces elements of dual training to the Technical-VocationalLivelihood Track of Senior High Schools wherein training is conducted in two places: the school and the company.

The K to 12 PLUS project pilots an 800-hour industry immersion to ensure students get the practical training needed to be work-ready after graduation.

“A bit nerve-wracking, but exciting nonetheless,” is how 20-year old Jomari Marcelino describes his first day at VJF Precision Toolings. His nervousness is understandable.

Yet, he feels more confident than most would be on their first day of work.

The program helps the students. Students can learn but also gain hands-on experience in the meantime. This is good, because when you graduate, you’re no longer scared, you have gained confidence already.

“I trusted in my capabilities,” he says, “because I’ve done 300 hours of industry immersion during the summer then another 800 hours during 12th grade.” A total of 1,100 hours in immersion have not only developed his skills but also made him more confident.

“What an employer looks for is both skill and experience,” says Jomari. The way he talks it is clear he gained both while being a student under the K to 12 PLUS project.

“The program helps the students,” he says. “Students can learn but also gain hands-on experience in the meantime. This is good, because when you graduate, you’re no longer scared, you have gained confidence already.”

Promoting Dual Education and Training in the Philippines

Metalworking Technology Batch 1, SY 2016-2017

Prieda Onia

T

he K to 12 PLUS project is an initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development to support the K to 12 educational reform in the Philippines. The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), alongside public and private partners, introduces elements of dual training to the Technical-VocationalLivelihood Track of Senior High Schools wherein training is conducted in two places: the school and the company.

The K to 12 PLUS project pilots an 800-hour industry immersion to ensure students get the practical training needed to be work-ready after graduation.

19-year old Prieda Mae Onia chose the Metalworking Technology track in Senior High School along with her friends. “We chose this program because it was a good offer: it focused more on skills training, we got an edge, we became skilled workers.”

During her first work-day at VJF Precision Toolings she says she feels good, even confident. This confidence, she adds, was due to the training she received during her industry immersion in grade 12.

I already experienced this kind of work environment before.

These are the same machines I’ve handled during my industry immersion.

As a student of the K to 12 PLUS project, Prieda underwent 800 hours of industry immersion to hone her technical and practical skills in a real work environment.

She banks on her Senior High School experiences to help her stand out in a male-dominated industry. “I have already gained experience in this before,” she says.

“These are the same machines I’ve handled during my industry immersion.”

Promoting Dual Education and Training in the Philippines

Metalworking Technology Batch 2, SY 2017-2018

Em Joyce Cabrillas T

he K to 12 PLUS project is an initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development to support the K to 12 educational reform in the Philippines. The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), alongside public and private partners, introduces elements of dual training to the Technical-VocationalLivelihood Track of Senior High Schools wherein training is conducted in two places: the school and the company.

The K to 12 PLUS project pilots an 800-hour industry immersion to ensure students get the practical training needed to be work-ready after graduation.

Em Joyce wants to change people’s minds when it comes to gender stereotypes. “I want to prove that whatever a boy can do, a girl can do the same thing and also keep up.”

As a student under the K to 12 PLUS project, Em Joyce entered the world of Metalworking Technology.

The additional hours have taught me a lot of things, like techniques and proper handling. I feel as if I can do it solo at the end of this industry immersion. You can work directly after graduation.

Em Joyce’s industry immersion lasts for a total of 800 hours – ten times that of her peers in other technical vocational tracks. “I’m a good fit because I always liked the more physical kind of work,” she says.

During those hours she learned special processing techniques and to handle different materials. “I feel as if I can do it solo at the end of this industry immersion,” she says. “You can work directly after graduation.”

She also established rapport with the trainers in the company. “The supervisors were really attentive,” she says. “They’re fully supportive of you.”

Promoting Dual Education and Training in the Philippines

Metalworking Technology Batch 2, SY 2017–2018

Jasmin Leyva

T

he K to 12 PLUS project is an initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development to support the K to 12 educational reform in the Philippines. The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), alongside public and private partners, introduces elements of dual training to the Technical-VocationalLivelihood Track of Senior High Schools wherein training is conducted in two places: the school and the company.

The K to 12 PLUS project pilots an 800-hour industry immersion to ensure students get the practical training needed to be work-ready after graduation.

Being a student under the K to 12 PLUS project, Jasmin spends 800-immersion hours honing her skills in the metal workshop of Rollmaster Machinery—a big leap in comparison to the 80 to 320 immersion hours of her Senior High School peers. She enjoys the feeling of having something to work with, of acquiring skills she knows she will use in the future.

By the time I go to college, I will already be skilled, I will know more because of my industry immersion in 12th grade of Senior High School. I want to teach in college so that students can have a more skills-based education.

“I felt as if it was such a long time,” says Jasmin, when asked about her first impressions of the project. “But now I feel like I learned a lot of things.”

In addition to getting the National Certificate III in machining, the highest level in metal-working technology accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Jasmin wants to go to college and eventually teach the same course to future generations of learners. Her role model in this case is her very own teacher, Mr. Ronald P. Ramos.

Promoting Dual Education and Training in the Philippines

Metalworking Technology Batch 2, SY 2017-2018

Jerrick Pialogo

T

he K to 12 PLUS project is an initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development to support the K to 12 educational reform in the Philippines. The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), alongside public and private partners, introduces elements of dual training to the Technical-VocationalLivelihood Track of Senior High Schools wherein training is conducted in two places: the school and the company.

The K to 12 PLUS project pilots an 800-hour industry immersion to ensure students get the practical training needed to be work-ready after graduation.

Camaraderie is not the only thing 18-year old Jerrick Pialogo likes about his industry immersion at CLP Industries, a company that specializes in metal fabrication. He also gets to learn from the veteran workers. “I get to ask them about the things I don’t know,” he says. “I get to learn from their expertise.”

I get to learn from my coworkers’ expertise. I know I learned so much more. I plan on becoming a supervisor and it’s all because of the people who had a hand in my own growth and development.

The 800-hour industry immersion he accomplished as a student under the K to 12 PLUS project allowed him to familiarize with various machines used in the industry.

“I’ve really learned a lot,” he says. “In fact, I feel confident going to college because I know I learned so much more.

I definitely have an advantage.”

He plans to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering and eventually teach others, just as he himself had been taught. “I plan on becoming a supervisor,” he says, “and it’s all because of the people who had a hand in my own growth.”

Promoting Dual Education and Training in the Philippines

Metalworking Technology Batch 2, SY 2017-2018

Shannon Villagracia

T

he K to 12 PLUS project is an initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development to support the K to 12 educational reform in the Philippines. The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), alongside public and private partners, introduces elements of dual training to the Technical-VocationalLivelihood Track of Senior High Schools wherein training is conducted in two places: the school and the company.

The K to 12 PLUS project pilots an 800-hour industry immersion to ensure students get the practical training needed to be work-ready after graduation.

Shannon, a student under the K to 12 Plus project, chose the technical-vocational track of Metalworking Technology at her Senior High School. This allows her to explore the more physical kind of work that she prefers.

The 800-hour industry immersion is a safe environment for her to leave the comfort zone of a classroom and to grow as a person.

“There was a lot of pressure,” she says, “but you learn from pressure. You are being challenged to apply what you have learned.”

There was a lot of pressure.

But you learn from pressure. You are being challenged to apply what you have learned.

Shannon likes challenges. She wants to obtain the National Certificate I in machining before graduating Senior High School and then begin to work immediately.

Her parents want her to go abroad but she disagrees.

“It’s just different, you know?” she says. “It’s different when you serve and work for your own country.” She pauses, then adds: “I’m confident enough to work in my chosen field.”

Promoting Dual Education and Training in the Philippines