The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) found that the rise in the gig economy started during the Covid-19 pandemic, with an impressive 208 percent increase in freelance earnings. In 2024, the majority (70 percent) of Filipinos are participating in the gig economy or taking on multiple jobs or starting a business as a side hustle, according to a 2024 study by market research firm Kantar , who referred to this as ‘hustle culture.’

While adapting to the gig economy offers flexibility, it also demands highly specialized and unique skills for workers to get the job they aspire to. In many cases, there is a mismatch in terms of the skills employers expect from their employees and the skills that Filipino workers offer. These skills gap often limits opportunities and hinders them from thriving in the modern and competitive job market.

Staying true to its mission of empowering non-graduate professionals and working students, Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) has recently launched the Career Leap Pad, a collection of 100 percent online certification programs that addresses the growing demand for specialized skills in today’s gig economy. Delivering job-ready skills in high-demand industries, the program provides short certification courses on Virtual Assistance (VA), Google Digital Marketing and E-Commerce, Adobe Content Creation, IBM Data Analytics and Meta Social Media Marketing. MMDC carefully developed each course to help professionals meet local and global job market standards.

Interested applicants may enroll from the first to the 20th of each month, with classes beginning on the first of the following month. The first batch of enrollment is now ongoing and classes will commence this 1 April.

MMDC Career Leap Pad caters to high school graduates, empowering them with the tools and competence they need to succeed in today’s job market. It is especially useful for those with limited time and money to restart college as it allows them to expand their opportunities, advance their careers, and thrive in the gig economy by earning microcredentials. Courses have average completion time of two to three months, allowing participants to earn credentials in less than a year.

“The MMDC Career Leap Pad are designed for modern learners who are looking to advance their career despite setbacks in their college education as it provides them with a transformative career experience. Through its certification programs, participants earn valuable microcredentials, serving as stepping stones to better opportunities. Whether it’s upskilling to start a job, for a promotion, or transitioning into a new field, Career Leap Pad empowers professionals and those aspiring to become professionals in the gig economy to take control of their career growth and achieve lasting success,” said Jenny Velasco-Chua, vice president at Mapua Malayan Digital College.

To make these programs easily accessible for all, Career Leap Pad programs will integrate high-quality courses, specializations and micro-credentials on Coursera, one of the world’s largest online learning platforms. Through this partnership, enrollees have access to international and local industry-vetted courses that were carefully curated by MMDC, ensuring participants learn in-demand skills needed by local and global employers. All certification courses are self-paced with cutting-edge, AI-assisted learning, guaranteeing learning flexibility for working professionals.

Additionally, students are supported by coaches who help ensure they navigate the platform easily, maximize the tools and features, and progress through the requirements on time. Coaches also ensure learners make the most of the platform’s tools and features for a seamless learning experience.

Upon completing their courses, participants receive career placement support from an expert, who guides them in refining their resumes, enhancing their interview skills, and connecting with potential employers, paving the way for career advancement.

The Career Leap Pad reinforces MMDC’s commitment to helping non-graduates and working students secure jobs by providing educational programs designed to empower them to achieve their goals. Whether seeking a job, a promotion, pursuing a career shift, or building critical modern skills, the program delivers a comprehensive solution that transforms learning into tangible career success.