Youth unemployment in Phl ‘alarmingly high’

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) – Youth unemployment in the Philippines is “alarmingly high” at 17 percent or more than double the national average, according to the latest data of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Young Filipinos are having difficulty getting employed despite the availability of jobs even for non-college graduates particularly in the booming call center industry, local media interaksyon.com reported.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz said in a speech that most applicants in the business process outsourcing sector are not hired because they lack basic skills.

Citing a 2010 study, the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) noted that 50 percent of employers had available positions for those without work experience. Also, up to 87 percent of businessmen were willing to hire those with two years work experience or less.

PMAP said half of the job vacancies are in companies engaged in customer service, sales, and technical support.

These vacancies, however, could not be filled up as many applications lack communication skills and are deficient in initiative and critical thinking competence. –(philstar.com)