Training, flexible setup defy skills mismatch

Human resource provider SPD Jobs urged the government and businesses to provide Filipinos regular training and flexible work setups to address skills mismatch in the post-pandemic workplace.

SPD Jobs CEO and President Sarah P. Deloraya-Mateo said there has been a huge gap between types of skill Filipino workers have and the nature of work local and foreign employers require now as many Filipinos have become picky about their interests and lifestyles.

"We have numerous ordinary workers but we lack those who are highly skilled. We observed a huge demand for highly-skilled welders, for example," Mateo said Monday on the Daily Tribune's show Business Sense with Komfie Manalo.

By promoting industry-specific skills, she said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, or TESDA, has been doing its part to challenges in generating more jobs.

However, she stressed private companies must complement this measure through continuous internal training.

"By the time students graduate, their acquired knowledge and skills might be already obsolete because of rapid technological advancements. Nearly everything now is run by technology to some extent, so firms should continue to train employees, upskill them" Mateo said.

Since the fast rise of digital technologies post-pandemic, she said many Filipinos now also prefer flexible working hours and locations, which narrows the pool of talents for full-time and specialized knowledge-based jobs.

WFH becomes a lifestyle

"Many people in the millennial and Gen Z group now prefer a work-from-home setup. Online jobs allow them to also work everywhere like coffee shops. Others become Grab drivers, virtual assistants and engage in online selling because they offer chances for high incomes, as well," Mateo said.

She advised companies must explore and use technology for their business operations and work culture to attract more of the right employees and thrive.

"We should continue to innovate and adapt to satisfy the demands of both the employers and the workers. Since the pandemic, there has been continuous upgrading of all activities. We should use technology so we will not be left behind," Mateo stressed.