SM Investments Corp. vice chairman Teresita Sy-Coson cited the need for more vocational schools that will train people with different skills needed by highly specialized industries.
Sy-Coson, who was among the panelists at the Forbes Global CEO Conference 2015 held in Parañaque City, said vocational schools would further improve people’s skills, allowing them to qualify and work in industries here and abroad, such as the business process outsourcing companies.
“The Philippines is still a developing country and unfortunately, the poverty level is still high. As a result, not many people can afford to pay for university education,” said Sy-Coson.
Vocational schools are commonly known as trade schools or career schools, providing practical training with a few unrelated academic course requirements.
It also offers programs ranging from 10 weeks or less to long-term programs of up to two years.
Vincent Tan, founder of the Malaysia-based Berjaya Group of Companies, echoed the view of Sy-Coson, saying every country should have a lot of vocational schools, which could produce skilled workers such as mechanics, electricians, hotel and BPO industry employees.