Knauf Gypsum Philippines Inc. is scaling up its skills and livelihood programs for construction workers, with a vision to train more than 45,000 workers across the Philippines.
“Our goal is to provide skills training that translates into employment. Through this partnership, anyone 18 and older who wants to learn can be trained. It’s about empowering individuals, creating opportunities, and building a path out of poverty,” said Mark Dewey Sergio, Knauf Gypsum Philippines managing director.
The company plans to expand its Knauf Academy network and deploy mobile training vans to reach far-flung areas, ensuring inclusive access to employment opportunities.
The expansion is enabled by a partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Field Office IV-A CALABARZON, formalized at the Knauf Training Academy in Libis, Quezon City.
Anchored on Republic Act 11310, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Act, the program supports the national poverty reduction strategy by providing practical skills that lead to real jobs.
Since its establishment in June 2022, the Knauf Academy has trained nearly 850 workers in gypsum board installation and jointing techniques, focusing on lightweight construction for safer, more flexible structures.
The academy aims to improve the skills of Filipino installers and increase job opportunities. For the unemployed, Knauf provides training and connects them directly with contractors for immediate work.
To ensure training leads to gainful employment, Knauf launched K-Trabaho, a job fair matching graduates with contractors in need of skilled workers, giving beneficiaries a tangible chance to improve their livelihoods.
