Ninety-seven students recently graduated from three-month courses at the Provincial Integrated Skills Training Center in Barangay Talay, Dumaguete City

They took up welding, machine operation, driving and automotive skills trainings. Board Member Melimore Saycon, guest speaker at the graduation rites, said the Middle East is in need of at least 28,000 skilled workers who are accredited by the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority.

Vice Gov. Jose Baldado who was also a guest, urged colleges and universities in the province to prioritize vocational and skills training courses, as these have high employment demand abroad.

He encouraged the graduates to empower themselves, not only in seeking employment, but also by becoming entrepreneurs.

The PISTC is a program initiated by the provincial government to help solve the structural unemployment problem.

Silverio Saceda, PISTC manager, said the number of enrollees has dramatically increased since last year. Due to the influx of students who want to join the training, the PISTC will open night classes to accommodate them.

He clarified, though, that they strictly follow the standard system in skills training, with each class not exceeding 20 students to attain a quality and effective learning atmosphere.*MA

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