A business group is pushing to classify AI roles as “apprenticeable,” a strategic move to transform the national workforce into a global tech powerhouse.
By moving AI out of the classroom and into the workplace, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ferdinand Ferrer said the Philippines can build a high-octane talent pipeline that keeps pace with the rapid automation of global industry.
The proposal aligns with the swift adoption of AI in manufacturing, finance, marketing and education as companies increasingly deploy the technology to enhance efficiency, decision-making and data utilization.
PCCI president Ferdinand Ferrer said the move would enable companies to train young Filipinos in actual workplace settings at a lower cost while developing a necessary talent pipeline. Ferrer noted that the mindset of society should evolve beyond basic skills to remain competitive in the global market.
The expanded role of AI was a central theme in a recent dialogue between the chamber and AI4PH, a network of policy experts and industry leaders. These discussions focused on strengthening national competitiveness and ensuring Filipino workers remain relevant as the technology moves beyond its initial concentration in manufacturing and back-office automation.
The chamber said the reach of AI now extends to customer service, creative industries, education and research and development.
By formalizing these roles through apprenticeship programs, the group aims to address the growing demand for specialized skills as businesses shift toward high-tech data utilization.
If successfully implemented, the initiative will ensure that Filipino workers remain the backbone of the global digital economy, transforming the “rapid automation” of industry from a threat into a significant national advantage.
