DOLE ensures work immersion protection of SHS students

MANILA, Philippines -  The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will draft a new policy to ensure the protection of senior high school students who will soon undergo work immersion.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said he has formed a technical working group (TWG) to come out with guidelines protecting high school students from possible exploitation and abuses at work.

“The TWG will coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in developing a policy that ensures skill acquisition without compromising the protection and safety of SHS students in implementing the K to 12 Work Immersion Program,” Bello noted.

The work immersion is part of the SHS curriculum. It consists of 80 hours of hands-on experience which Grade 11 and 12 students must undergo to expose them to the actual workplace setting and enrich the competencies provided by the school. 

Bello said the DOLE, DepEd and TESDA will jointly promulgate the policy, subject to consultation with relevant stakeholders.