Work immersion guidelines for SHS out

MANILA, Philippines -  The Department of Education (DepEd) has released the guidelines for the conduct of work immersion activities for senior high school students in the country.

“Work immersion is a key feature in the senior high school curriculum. It can be conducted in different ways depending on the purposes and needs of the learners,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

The guidelines said work immersion – which can range from 80 to 320 hours – will enable students to become familiar with the workplace, experience workplace simulation and apply their competencies in areas of specialization.

“Work immersion will help develop among learners life and career skills, and will prepare them to make decisions on postsecondary education or employment,” the guidelines read.

“Through partnership building, DepEd hopes that partner institutions will provide learners with work immersion opportunities, workplace or hands-on experience, and additional learning resources,” it added.

The agency said schools may partner with recognized institutions or organizations to come up with agreements on work immersion for students.

As the students are still minors, DepEd said work immersion requires parental consent.

“DepEd, in collaboration with its partners and stakeholders, shall ensure that all schools and venues for learning are conducive to the education and safety of the learners. The safety of learners is primary,” it added.

“Consequently, the maximum number of hours spent in the work immersion venue is 40 hours per week and no more than eight hours per day as provided by law,” the agency said.

DepEd stressed that work immersion should not be reduced as a mere recruitment tool for a partner institution, saying that the students should also gain skills that will enable them to qualify for other job options.

“Schools and students should not be asked to pay the senior high school partner institution for any work immersion activity conducted. Fees for work immersion must only be set after consultation with parents,” added the guidelines.