DOLE issues guidelines for K-12 work immersion

By Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star), July 7, 2016

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has set conditions for the implementation of the K-12 work immersion program.

Rosalinda Baldoz approved the new guidelines for the protection of senior students from possible abuses before stepping down as DOLE secretary last June 30.

Under the new guidelines, the immersion shall not be considered as employment, but only to expose students to the actual workplace.

Thus, for the protection of senior students, the work immersion shall be allowed only between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The work immersion for students below 15 years old must have the permission of parents and must not be longer than four hours a day.

Senior students regardless of age shall not be allowed for work immersion in industries considered hazardous, DOLE said.

“Work immersion shall in no case result in the replacement or diminution of benefits of the workers in the partner enterprise,” DOLE added.

Work immersion is part of the senior high school curriculum where students undergo 80 hours of hands-on experience or work simulation.

Work immersion is aimed at providing Grades 11 and 12 students an actual workplace setting to enrich their competencies, Baldoz said.

The work immersion is supervised by the school head and designated personnel of the partner companies.

The 80-hour work immersion shall be scheduled for no more than eight cumulative or consecutive hours per day.

All technical-vocational schools offering senior high school shall be governed by Department of Education guidelines and the safety guidelines set by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in implementing the work immersion program.