Staffing solutions company eyeing to solve Cebu’s IT manpower woes

CEBU, Philippines — Manila-based staffing and workforce solutions firm Vèrtere Global Solutions, Inc. has made an aggressive entry into Cebu to help address the shortage of IT (Information Technology) related skills in the metropolis.

Aided by its direct placement arm A7 Recruitment Corporation (ARC), these companies owned by Vertere Venture Capital Inc., plan to partner with colleges and universities in Cebu said Vértere President Jocelyn “Jo” Cariaga in a press conference.

The partnership aims to bridge the gap between industry demand and available talent. By engaging the academe, Vèrtere and ARC seek to cultivate a pipeline of skilled professionals equipped to meet the evolving needs of the companies.

“Cebu’s strategic location in the Visayas region makes it an ideal hub for expanding operations to other parts of the Philippines. This can help Vértere and ARC increase its market reach and serve clients more efficiently,” Cariaga said.

Vèrtere will help fresh college graduates, and even those seeking employment to provide training based on its clients’ specific skills requirements.

Unlike in the past, today’s job requirements are more specific. Which means, skills and specialties are important.

She added that most schools are producing generic talents in IT. But Vèrtere will train professionals, with general knowledge in IT to learn specific skills based on their clients’ requirements.

Aside from the more sophisticated IT skills, like data analytics, cybersecurity warriors, and Java programmers, more companies now need talents to help their multi-media operations, digital marketing, and other IT-enabled services.

Vértere and ARC offer a comprehensive range of staffing and workforce solutions in the areas of IT staff augmentation, IT consulting and IT managed services, as well as direct placement, recruitment process outsourcing, and recruitment as a service (RAAS), to help Cebu-based clients leverage on talent and technology to achieve their business objectives.

Cariaga said the decision to expand to Cebu is driven by fresh prospects to reach a larger clientele while tapping its rich, skilled workforce.

With companies, both large and small, increasingly embracing full digital transformation to enhance competitiveness and efficiency, the demand for IT professionals has never been higher, Cariaga added.

While Vértere and ARC’s heritage and expertise are in the IT space, given its 27 years in the business, they have expanded into direct placement services from staff levels to C- suite roles in the areas of Agricultural Science, Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance, BPO, Broadcasting, Logistics, Real Estate and Utilities.

“Our differentiator in the industry is our consultative and relationship-based approach, aiming to build long-term relationships with our clients. We build and nurture the trust given to us by our candidates to bridge them to better career opportunities,” said ARC President Santos “Toots” Bunachita.

ARC prides itself on its wide network of industry connections for referrals and recommendations.

Through its rigorous talent screening, ARC ensures it accurately matches the right individuals with the right companies.

Recently, Vèrtere and ARC held a roadshow event themed ‘Revitalize Your Approach to Talent Management’ to signify its entry to Cebu. During the event held at Seda Central Bloc, in Cebu IT Park, both companies’ officials shared insights and strategies to help businesses optimize their talent management practices.

The roadshow held last April 17, 2024 gathered industry leaders, the academe, and potential partners.

Among the topics to be discussed are: meeting the need for scarce and emerging skills in IT, hiring and staffing approaches for critical talents, and talent agility.

In addition to informative sessions, the event also staged networking opportunities for attendees to connect with industry peers, share experiences, and forge valuable partnerships.

The roadshow is just one component of a series of activities planned by both Vèrtere and ARC in Cebu, showing their commitment to supporting businesses here.

As companies adapt to the evolving landscape in digitalization, particularly in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity threats, these initiatives aim to provide guidance and assistance, noted Bunachita. — (FREEMAN)