Zambales, Gapo managers back dual training system for students

The province’s Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) and the People’s Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Subic Chapter is pushing for a mutually beneficial training system that would enhance the learning capabilities of students and address the human resources needs of establishments in the province.

PMAP is a nationwide organization of Human Resources (HR) managers.

The Dual Training System (DTS), which was enacted into law by the government in 1994 through Republic Act 7686, is a mode of training delivery that combines theoretical and practical training.

It is called "Dual" because the training happens in two venues – the school and the company. In usual DTS set-up, the student-trainee is in school once every week while the rest of the days of the week the student works and trains in the company.

Vice Governor and PESO manager Ramon Lacbain II sees that the partnership between the school and the company that will try the system will greatly improve the skills of students, which will be of good use once they graduate and land into suitable jobs.

PMAP president Lyn Amor Doble, also an HR manager of Hitachi Philippines located inside the Subic Bay Freeport, said that the DTS will considerably increase the manpower needs of companies that will adopt the system.

Companies participating in the program will also have the chance to sharpen the skills of students, a form of companies’ social responsibility, Doble said.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region 3 director Teodoro Gatchalian was invited to discuss some more with HR managers and company and school representatives from Olongapo City, the Freeport and the province on the importance of DTS in relation to RA 7686.

Gatchalian said that based from the provision, the DTS system is divided into two: 40 percent for in-school training while 60 percent will be spent for in-plant or company training.

The regional Ddrector added that the DTS will require students to train with the participating company from 18 months up to two years with allowance. by Allen M. Villa (WLB/AMV/PIA Zambales/VGO)