Only 24% of Philippine employers are willing to hire fresh graduates of the K to 12 program, citing college diploma as a key factor in employment.
According to a report released by JobStreet Philippines, employers stated multiple reasons for not being too keen on hiring fresh graduates of the K to 12 program.
– Openings are for college graduates only
– K to 12 graduates are not qualified to fill the vacant positions
– No openings for the position
– Insufficient work experience
Some employers, however, clarified that they have plans to hire K to 12 graduates in the future.
Sixty percent said they are still evaluating the readiness of the company to hire such graduates, while 40 percent said they will eventually hire K to 12 graduates, but have not yet set a definite timeline.
Employers from the following industries are willing to hire K to 12 graduates.
– Business process outsourcing (BPO) industry
– Manufacturing services
– Professional services
– Retail
– Machinery and equipment
Under the said program, the Philippine education system transitions to a 12-year basic education scheme before the optional 4-year university education.
This year, 800,000 K to 12 graduates will be competing with around 500,000 to 600,000 fresh college graduates for new jobs.
Philip Gioca, country manager of JobStreet Philippines, called on the government to intervene to provide these graduates better chances of getting employed.
“I think they have to intervene so employers will actually hire them,” he said.
“We know that the important criteria for hirers are attitude, problem-solving, communication, and analysis, so sa interview palang, kailangan i-practice mo na ‘yun,” Gioca said.
